RANKL ANTIBODY-PTH/PTHrP CHIMERIC MOLECULES

ABSTRACT

Chimeric molecules comprising receptor activator of NF-κB ligand (RANKL) antibodies and parathyroid hormone/parathyroid hormone-related protein (PTH/PTHrP) peptides are described. Compositions and methods for the treatment of bone diseases are also described.

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/736,664, filed Nov. 14, 2005. U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/736,664 is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety for any purpose.

FIELD

Chimeric molecules comprising antibodies that bind receptor activator of NF-κB ligand (RANKL) and parathyroid hormone/parathyroid hormone-related protein (PTH/PTHrP) peptides (RANKL antibody-PTH/PTHrP chimeric molecules) are provided. Compositions and methods for the treatment of bone diseases are also described.

BACKGROUND

Bone tissue provides support for the body and includes mineral (including calcium and phosphorous), a matrix of collagenous and noncollagenous proteins, and cells. Living bone tissue exhibits a dynamic equilibrium between formation of bone, which is called deposition, and break-down of bone, which is called resorption. Three types of cells found in bone, osteocytes, osteoblasts and osteoclasts, are involved in this equilibrium. Osteoblasts promote formation of bone tissue whereas osteoclasts are associated with resorption. Resorption, or the dissolution of bone matrix and mineral, is a fast and efficient process compared to bone formation and can release large amounts of mineral from bone. Osteoclasts are involved in the regulation of the normal remodeling of skeletal tissue and in resorption induced by hormones. For instance, resorption is stimulated by the secretion of parathyroid hormone in response to decreasing concentrations of calcium ion in extracellular fluids. In contrast, inhibition of resorption is a function of calcitonin. In addition, metabolites of vitamin D alter the responsiveness of bone to parathyroid hormone and calcitonin.

Receptor activator of NF-κB ligand (RANKL; also called osteoprotegerin ligand, or OPGL), which is a member of the TNF family of cytokines, promotes formation of osteoclasts through binding to the receptor activator of NF-κB (RANK, also called osteoclast differentiation and activation receptor, or ODAR). Osteoprotegerin (OPG), on the other hand, inhibits the formation of osteoclasts by sequestering RANKL and preventing RANKL association with RANK. Thus, the amount of RANKL associated with RANK correlates with the equilibrium between bone deposition and resorption.

After skeletal maturity, the amount of bone in the skeleton reflects the balance (or imbalance) of bone formation and bone resorption. Peak bone mass occurs after skeletal maturity prior to the fourth decade. Between the fourth and fifth decades, the equilibrium shifts and bone resorption dominates. The inevitable decrease in bone mass with advancing years starts earlier in females than males and is distinctly accelerated after menopause in some females (principally those of Caucasian and Asian descent).

Parathyroid hormone (PTH) is secreted in response to hypocalcemia. PTH activates osteoclasts, possibly through binding to and activating the PTH1 receptor. PTH1 receptor activation leads to secretion of RANKL, which stimulates bone resorption and an increase in serum calcium levels.

Paradoxically, intermittent administration of PTH or PTH-related protein (PTHrP) can actually cause an increase in bone density. That increase is due to activation of osteoblasts, which increase bone formation, in addition to activation of osteoclasts, which increase bone resorption. When osteoblast activation outpaces osteoclast activation, the net result is an increase in bone density. However, strong stimulation of osteoblasts has been associated with osteosarcoma in mice.

Osteopenia is a condition relating generally to any decrease in bone mass to below normal levels. Such a condition may arise from a decrease in the rate of bone synthesis or an increase in the rate of bone destruction or both. A common form of osteopenia is primary osteoporosis, also referred to as postmenopausal and senile osteoporosis. This form of osteoporosis is a consequence of the universal loss of bone with age and is often a result of increase in bone resorption with a normal rate of bone formation. Many white females in the United States develop symptomatic osteoporosis. A direct relationship exists between osteoporosis and the incidence of hip, femoral, neck and inter-trochanteric fracture in women 45 years and older. Elderly males may develop symptomatic osteoporosis between the ages of 50 and 70.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In certain embodiments, a receptor activator of NF-κB ligand (RANKL) antibody-parathyroid hormone/parathyroid hormone related protein (PTH/PTHrP) chimeric molecule is provided. In certain embodiments, the RANKL antibody-PTH/PTHrP chimeric molecule comprises an antibody that binds to RANKL and a PTH/PTHrP peptide.

In certain embodiments a RANKL antibody-PTH/PTHrP chimeric molecule comprises an antibody that binds to RANKL. In certain embodiments, a RANKL antibody-PTH/PTHrP chimeric molecule comprises a heavy chain having an amino acid sequence as set forth in SEQ ID NO:2 or a fragment thereof. In certain embodiments, a RANKL antibody-PTH/PTHrP chimeric molecule comprises a light chain having an amino acid sequence as set forth in SEQ ID NO:4 or a fragment thereof.

In certain embodiments, a RANKL antibody-PTH/PTHrP chimeric molecule comprises a heavy chain comprising a first variable region comprising an amino acid sequence as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 11 or a fragment thereof. In certain embodiments, a RANKL antibody-PTH/PTHrP chimeric molecule comprises a light chain comprising a second variable region comprising an amino acid sequence as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 12 or a fragment thereof.

In certain embodiments, a RANKL antibody-PTH/PTHrP chimeric molecule comprises a heavy chain comprising a first variable region that comprises a sequence that has at least 92% identity to the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 11. In certain embodiments, a RANKL antibody-PTH/PTHrP chimeric molecule comprises alight chain comprising a second variable region that comprises a sequence that has at least 90% identity to the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 12.

In certain embodiments, a RANKL antibody-PTH/PTHrP chimeric molecule comprises a heavy chain comprising a first variable region that comprises a sequence that has at least 95% identity to the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 11. In certain embodiments, a RANKL antibody-PTH/PTHrP chimeric molecule comprises alight chain comprising a second variable region that comprises a sequence that has at least 95% identity to the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 12.

In certain embodiments, a RANKL antibody-PTH/PTHrP chimeric molecule comprises a heavy chain comprising a first variable region that comprises a sequence that has at least 99% identity to the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 11. In certain embodiments, a RANKL antibody-PTH/PTHrP chimeric molecule comprises alight chain comprising a second variable region that comprises a sequence that has at least 99% identity to the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 12.

In certain embodiments, a RANKL antibody-PTH/PTHrP chimeric molecule comprises an antibody selected from a single-chain Fv antibody (scFv), a Fab antibody, a Fab′ antibody, a (Fab)₂ antibody, a domain antibody, a nanobody, a minibody, a maxibody, and a diabody. In certain embodiments, a RANKL antibody-PTH/PTHrP chimeric molecule comprises a RANKL antibody that is fully human.

In certain embodiments, a PTH/PTHrP peptide is operably linked to the RANKL antibody. In certain embodiments, a PTH/PTHrP peptide comprises a prepro domain and a PTH/PTHrP modulating domain. In certain embodiments, a PTH/PTHrP peptide is operably linked to a heavy chain of a RANKL antibody. In certain embodiments, a PTH/PTHrP peptide is operably linked to a light chain of a RANKL antibody. In certain embodiments, a PTH/PTHrP peptide is fused to the N-terminus of a heavy chain of a RANKL antibody. In certain embodiments, a PTH/PTHrP peptide is fused to the N-terminus of a light chain of a RANKL antibody.

In certain embodiments, a RANKL antibody-PTH/PTHrP chimeric molecule comprises a first PTH/PTHrP peptide and a second PTH/PTHrP peptide. In certain embodiments, a first PTH/PTHrP peptide is operably linked to a light chain and a second PTH/PTHrP peptide is operably linked to a heavy chain. A first and second PTH/PTHrP peptides may be the same or different. In certain embodiments, the first PTH/PTHrP peptide is operably linked to a heavy chain. In certain embodiments, the first PTH/PTHrP peptide is operably linked to the N-terminus of a heavy chain. In certain embodiments, the first PTH/PTHrP peptide is fused to a heavy chain. In certain embodiments, the second PTH/PTHrP peptide is operably linked to a light chain. In certain embodiments, the second PTH/PTHrP peptide is operably linked to the N-terminus of a light chain. In certain embodiments, the second PTH/PTHrP peptide is fused to a light chain.

In certain embodiments, a RANKL antibody-PTH/PTHrP chimeric molecule comprises a PTH/PTHrP peptide comprising a PTH/PTHrP modulating domain selected from the polypeptides of formula I:

(Formula I; SEQ ID NO: 13) X^(N)HX¹⁰X¹¹X¹²KX¹⁴X¹⁵X¹⁶X¹⁷X¹⁸X¹⁹RX²¹X²²X²³X²⁴X²⁵X²⁶ X²⁷X²⁸X^(C)

wherein:

-   -   X^(N) is absent or is X³X⁴X⁵X⁶X⁷, X²X³X⁴X⁵X⁶X⁷, X¹X²X³X⁴X⁵X⁶X⁷,         or YX¹X²X³X⁴X⁵X⁶X⁷;     -   X¹ through X⁷, X¹⁰, X¹¹, X¹², X¹⁴ through X²⁸ are each         independently selected amino acid residues;     -   X^(C) is absent or is X²⁹, X²⁹X³⁰, X²⁹X³⁰X³¹, X²⁹X³⁰X³¹X³²,         X²⁹X³⁰X³¹X³²X³³, X²⁹X³⁰X³¹X³²X³³X³⁴, X²⁹X³⁰X³¹X³²X³³X³⁴X³⁵, or         X²⁹X³⁰X³¹X³²X³³X³⁴X³⁵X³⁶;     -   X²⁹ through X³⁶ are each independently selected amino acid         residues;     -   provided that one or more of X¹⁴ through X³⁶ is a cysteine         residue.         In certain embodiments, the PTH/PTHrP peptide binds to a PTH-1         receptor or a PTH-2 receptor. In certain embodiments, the         PTH/PTHrP peptide further comprises a prepro domain. In certain         embodiments, the prepro domain is selected from SEQ ID NOs: 188         to 207.

In certain embodiments, a RANKL antibody-PTH/PTHrP chimeric molecule comprises a PTH/PTHrP peptide comprising a PTH/PTHrP modulating domain selected from polypeptides of formula II:

(Formula II; SEQ ID NO: 14) J^(N)J⁷J⁸HNJ¹¹J¹²KHLJ¹⁶SJ¹⁸J¹⁹RJ²¹EWLRKKLJ^(C)

wherein:

-   -   J^(N) is absent or is J¹J²J³J⁴J⁵J⁶, J²J³J⁴J⁵J⁶, or J³J⁴J⁵J⁶;     -   J¹ through J⁸, J¹², J¹⁶, J¹⁸, and J²¹ are each independently         selected amino acid residues;     -   J¹¹ is a nonfunctional or basic residue;     -   J¹⁹ is an acidic or basic residue;     -   J^(C) is absent or is J²⁹, J²⁹J³⁰, J²⁹J³⁰J³¹, J²⁹J³⁰J³¹J³²,         J²⁹J³⁰J³¹J³²J³³, or J²⁹J³⁰J³¹J³²J³³J³⁴;     -   J²⁹ through J³⁴ are each independently selected amino acid         residues;     -   provided that one or more of J¹⁴ through the C-terminal residue         of the PTH/PTHrP modulating domain is a cysteine residue.         In certain embodiments, the PTH/PTHrP peptide binds to a PTH-1         receptor or a PTH-2 receptor. In certain embodiments, the         PTH/PTHrP peptide further comprises a prepro domain. In certain         embodiments, the prepro domain is selected from SEQ ID NOs: 188         to 207.

In certain embodiments, a RANKL antibody-PTH/PTHrP chimeric molecule comprises a PTH/PTHrP peptide comprising a PTH/PTHrP modulating domain selected from polypeptides of formula III:

(Formula III; SEQ ID NO: 15) O^(N)LHO¹⁰O¹¹O¹²KSIO¹⁵O¹⁶O¹⁷LRRRFO²³LHHLIO^(C)

wherein:

-   -   O^(N) is absent or is YO¹O²O³O⁴O⁵O⁶O⁷, O¹O²O³O⁴O⁵O⁶O⁷,         O²O³O⁴O⁵O⁶O⁷, O³O⁴O⁵O⁶O⁷, O⁴O⁵O⁶O⁷, O⁵O⁶O⁷, O⁶O⁷, or O⁷;     -   O¹ through O⁷, O¹⁰ through O¹², O¹⁵ through O¹⁷, and O²³ are         each independently selected amino acid residues;     -   O^(C) is absent or is O²⁹, O²⁹O³⁰, O²⁹O³⁰O³¹, O²⁹O³⁰O³¹O³²,         O²⁹O³⁰O³¹O³²O³³, O²⁹O³⁰O³¹O³²O³³O³⁴, O²⁹O³⁰O³¹O³²O³³O³⁴O³⁵, or         O²⁹O³⁰O³¹O³²O³³O³⁴O³⁵O³⁶;     -   O²⁹ through O³⁶ are each independently amino acid residues;     -   provided that one or more of O¹⁴ through the C-terminal residue         of the PTH/PTHrP modulating domain is a cysteine residue.         In certain embodiments, the PTH/PTHrP peptide binds to a PTH-1         receptor or a PTH-2 receptor. In certain embodiments, the         PTH/PTHrP peptide further comprises a prepro domain. In certain         embodiments, the prepro domain is selected from SEQ ID NOs: 188         to 207.

In certain embodiments, a RANKL antibody-PTH/PTHrP chimeric molecule comprises a PTH/PTHrP peptide comprising a modulating domain comprising a sequence selected from SEQ ID NOs: 16 to 67. In certain embodiments, a RANKL antibody-PTH/PTHrP chimeric molecule comprises a PTH/PTHrP peptide comprising a modulating domain comprising a sequence selected from SEQ ID NOs: 68 to 89. In certain embodiments, a RANKL antibody-PTH/PTHrP chimeric molecule comprises a PTH/PTHrP peptide comprising a modulating domain comprising a sequence selected from SEQ ID NOs: 90 to 107 except that one or more residues at position 14 through the C-terminus of the PTH/PTHrP modulating domain is substituted with a cysteine residue.

In certain embodiments, a RANKL antibody-PTH/PTHrP chimeric molecule comprises a first polypeptide having an amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 2 and a second polypeptide having an amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 8. In certain embodiments, a RANKL antibody-PTH/PTHrP chimeric molecule comprises a first polypeptide having an amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 10 and a second polypeptide having an amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 4. In certain embodiments, a RANKL antibody-PTH/PTHrP chimeric molecule comprises a first polypeptide having an amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 10 and a second polypeptide having an amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 8.

In certain embodiments, a RANKL antibody-PTH/PTHrP chimeric molecule inhibits binding of RANKL to a receptor activator of NF-κB (RANK).

In certain embodiments, a pharmaceutical composition comprising a RANKL antibody-PTH/PTHrP chimeric molecule is provided.

In certain embodiments, a pharmaceutical composition further comprises at least one therapeutic agent selected from a bone anti-resorptive agent, a bone anabolic agent, an anti-inflammatory agent, an immune suppressing agent, and a cancer therapy agent. In certain embodiments, a pharmaceutical composition further comprises at least one therapeutic agent is selected from, anakinra, etanercept, infliximab, adalimumab, and methotrexate. In certain embodiments, a pharmaceutical composition further comprises at least one cancer therapy agent selected from radiation therapy and chemotherapy. In certain embodiments, a pharmaceutical composition further comprises at least one cancer therapy agent selected from an epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitor, a HER2 inhibitor, a vegF inhibitor, a vegF receptor inhibitor, a hepatocyte growth factor (HGF)/scatter factor (SF) inhibitor, a c-Met inhibitor, an angiopoietin inhibitor, a Tie2 inhibitor, a platelet derived growth factor receptor (PDGFR) inhibitor, an insulin-like growth factor receptor (IGFR) inhibitor, a mucin-like glycoprotein inhibitor, a CDC20 inhibitor, and a CDC33 inhibitor.

In certain embodiments, a pharmaceutical composition further comprises at least one therapeutic antibody. In certain embodiments, at least one therapeutic antibody is selected from a Her2 antibody, a CDC20 antibody, an EGFR antibody, a vegF antibody, a vegF receptor antibody, a hepatocyte growth factor (HGF)/scatter factor (SF) antibody, an insulin-like growth factor receptor (IFGR) antibody, and a CDC33 antibody.

In certain embodiments, a method of treating bone loss in a patient is provided. In certain embodiments a method of treating bone loss comprises administering a pharmaceutical composition comprising a RANKL antibody-PTH/PTHrP chimeric molecule. In certain embodiments, a method comprises administering a pharmaceutical composition comprising a RANKL antibody-PTH/PTHrP chimeric molecule and at least one agent selected from a bone anti-resorptive agent, a bone anabolic agent, an anti-inflammatory agent, an immune suppressing agent, and a cancer therapy agent. In certain embodiments, a method comprises administering a pharmaceutical composition comprising a RANKL antibody-PTH/PTHrP chimeric molecule and at least one therapeutic agent selected from a bone morphogenic factor, transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), an interleukin-1 (IL-1) inhibitor, IL-1ra, anakinra, a TNFα inhibitor, a soluble TNFα receptor, etanercept, an anti-TNFα antibody, infliximab, adalimumab, a prostaglandin, a bisphosphonate, alendronate, fluoride, calcium, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), a COX-2 inhibitor, celecoxib, rofecoxib, an immunosuppressant, methotrexate, leflunomide, a serine protease inhibitor, a secretory leukocyte protease inhibitor (SLPI), an IL-6 inhibitor, an IL-6 antibody, an IL-8 inhibitor, an IL-8 antibody, an IL-18 inhibitor, an IL-18 binding protein, an IL-18 antibody, an Interleukin-1 converting enzyme (ICE) modulator, a fibroblast growth factor (FGF), an FGF modulator, a PAF antagonist, a keratinocyte growth factor (KGF), a KGF-related molecule, a KGF modulator; a matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) modulator, a nitric oxide synthase (NOS) modulator, a modulator of glucocorticoid receptor, a modulator of glutamate receptor, a modulator of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) levels, a noradrenaline, a noradrenaline mimetic, and a noradrenaline modulator.

In certain embodiments, a method of treating an inflammatory condition with attendant bone loss is provided. In certain embodiments, a method of treating an autoimmune condition with attendant bone loss is provided. In certain embodiments, a method of treating an rheumatoid arthritis is provided. In certain embodiments, a method of treating bone loss associated with cancer is provided. In certain embodiments, the method comprises administering a pharmaceutical composition comprising a RANKL antibody-PTH/PTHrP chimeric molecule.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 shows a cDNA sequence encoding the αRANKL-1 (also called αOPGL-1) antibody heavy chain (SEQ ID NO: 1). The cDNA sequence begins at a HindIII site and ends at a Sail site. The start codon begins at nucleotide 14 and the stop codon begins at nucleotide 1415.

FIG. 2 shows the amino acid sequence of the αRANKL-1 (also called αOPGL-1) antibody heavy chain (SEQ ID NO: 2). The heavy chain signal peptide is underlined. The variable region is in capital letters and is not underlined. The constant region is in lower case.

FIG. 3 shows a cDNA sequence encoding the αRANKL-1 (also called αOPGL-1) antibody light chain (SEQ ID NO: 3). The cDNA sequence begins at an XbaI site and ends at a Sail site. The start codon begins at nucleotide 12 and the stop codon begins at nucleotide 717.

FIG. 4 shows the amino acid sequence of the αRANKL-1 (also called αOPGL-1) antibody light chain (SEQ ID NO: 4). The kappa signal peptide is underlined. The variable region is in capital letters and is not underlined. The constant region is in lower case.

FIG. 5 shows a schematic diagram of the αRANKL-1 kappa light chain expression plasmid αRANKL-1-Kappa/pDSRα19 (also called αOPGL-1-Kappa/pDSRα19; see, e.g., U.S. Patent Publication No. U.S. 2004/0033535 A1 and PCT Publication No. WO 2003/002713 A3).

FIG. 6 shows a schematic diagram of the αRANKL-1 IgG2 heavy chain expression plasmid, αRANKL-1-IgG2/pDSRα19 (also called αOPGL-1-IgG2/pDSRα19; see, e.g., U.S. Patent Publication No. U.S. 2004/0033535 A1 and PCT Publication No. WO 2003/002713 A3).

FIG. 7 shows a cDNA sequence encoding synPTH (SEQ ID NO: 5). The XbaI (TCTAGA) site and Kozak sequence (CCACC) are in bold. The prepro domain is underlined. An exemplary PTH/PTHrP modulating domain is in plain text. The sequence encoding the GGGAP linker is in italics. A BssHII site (GCGCGC) is located within the linker sequence.

FIG. 8 shows the amino acid sequence of synPTH (SEQ ID NO: 6). The prepro domain is underlined. An exemplary modulating domain is in plain text. The GGGAP linker is in italics.

FIG. 9 shows a cDNA sequence encoding synPTH-αRANKL-1 light chain (also called synPTH-αRANKL-1 kappa; SEQ ID NO: 7). The XbaI (TCTAGA) site and Kozak sequence (CCACC) are in bold at the beginning of the sequence. The prepro domain is underlined. The sequence encoding the GGGAP linker is in italics. The stop codon begins at nucleotide 867. A Sail site is in bold at the end of the sequence.

FIG. 10 shows the amino acid sequence of synPTH-αRANKL-1 light chain (also called synPTH-αRANKL-1 kappa; SEQ ID NO: 8). The prepro domain is underlined. The GGGAP linker is in italics.

FIG. 11 shows a cDNA sequence encoding synPTH-αRANKL-1 heavy chain (also called synPTH-αRANKL-1 IgG2; SEQ ID NO: 9). The XbaI (TCTAGA) site and Kozak sequence (CCACC) are in bold at the beginning of the sequence. The prepro domain is underlined. The sequence encoding the GGGAP linker is in italics. The stop codon begins at nucleotide 1566. A Sail site is in bold at the end of the sequence.

FIG. 12 shows the amino acid sequence of synPTH-αRANKL-1 heavy chain (also called synPTH-αRANKL-1 IgG2; SEQ ID NO: 10). The prepro domain is underlined. The GGGAP linker is in italics.

FIG. 13 shows a schematic diagram of the synPTH-αRANKL-1 (kappa) light chain expression plasmid synPTH-αRANKL-1-kappa/pDSRα20.

FIG. 14 shows a schematic diagram of the synPTH-αRANKL-1 (IgG2) heavy chain expression plasmid, synPTH-αRANKL-1-IgG2/pDSRα20.

FIG. 15 shows blood ionized calcium levels in aged huRANKL mice and in aged wild-type mice according to the work in Example 5. HuRANKL mice were treated with vehicle, 100 μg/kg human PTH(1-34), 2 mg/kg αRANKL-1, 10 mg/kg αRANKL-1, 2 mg/kg synPTH-αRANKL-1 heavy chain fusion (synPTH-αRANKL-1 HCF), or 10 mg/kg synPTH-αRANKL-1 heavy chain fusion (synPTH-αRANKL-1 HCF). Wild type mice were treated with vehicle or with 2 mg/kg synPTH-αRANKL-1 heavy chain fusion (synPTH-αRANKL-1 HCF). Blood ionized calcium levels were measured before treatment, and at 2, 6, 24, 48, and 72 hours post-treatment.

FIG. 16 shows serum TRAP-5b levels in aged huRANKL mice treated with vehicle (PBS), human PTH(1-34), αRANKL-1, or synPTH-αRANKL-1 heavy chain fusion (synPTH-αRANKL-1 HCF); and in aged wild-type mice treated with vehicle (PBS) or synPTH-αRANKL-1 heavy chain fusion (synPTH-αRANKL-1 HCF) according to the work in Example 5.

FIG. 17 shows serum osteocalcin levels in aged huRANKL mice treated with vehicle (PBS), human PTH(1-34), αRANKL-1, or synPTH-αRANKL-1 heavy chain fusion (synPTH-αRANKL-1 HCF); and in aged wild-type mice treated with vehicle (PBS) or synPTH-αRANKL-1 heavy chain fusion (synPTH-αRANKL-1 HCF) according to the work in Example 5.

FIG. 18 shows the change in bone mineral density (BMD) of lumbar vertebrae in huRANKL mice treated with vehicle (PBS), human PTH(1-34), αRANKL-1, or synPTH-αRANKL-1 heavy chain fusion (synPTH-αRANKL-1 HCF); and in aged wild-type mice treated with vehicle (PBS) or synPTH-αRANKL-1 heavy chain fusion (synPTH-αRANKL-1 HCF) according to the work in Example 5.

FIG. 19 shows the change in bone mineral density (BMD) of whole leg in huRANKL mice treated with vehicle (PBS), human PTH(1-34), αRANKL-1, or synPTH-αRANKL-1 heavy chain fusion (synPTH-αRANKL-1 HCF); and in aged wild-type mice treated with vehicle (PBS) or synPTH-αRANKL-1 heavy chain fusion (synPTH-αRANKL-1 HCF) according to the work in Example 5.

FIG. 20 shows the change in bone volume of proximal tibial metaphysis in huRANKL mice treated with vehicle (PBS), human PTH(1-34), αRANKL-1, or synPTH-αRANKL-1 heavy chain fusion (synPTH-αRANKL-1 HCF); and in aged wild-type mice treated with vehicle (PBS) or synPTH-αRANKL-1 heavy chain fusion (synPTH-αRANKL-1 HCF) according to the work in Example 5.

FIG. 21 shows the change in osteoclast surface percentage in huRANKL mice treated with vehicle (PBS), human PTH(1-34), αRANKL-1, or synPTH-αRANKL-1 heavy chain fusion (synPTH-αRANKL-1 HCF); and in aged wild-type mice treated with vehicle (PBS) or synPTH-αRANKL-1 heavy chain fusion (synPTH-αRANKL-1 HCF) according to the work in Example 5.

FIG. 22 shows the change in osteoblast surface percentage in huRANKL mice treated with vehicle (PBS), human PTH(1-34), αRANKL-1, or synPTH-αRANKL-1 heavy chain fusion (synPTH-αRANKL-1 HCF); and in aged wild-type mice treated with vehicle (PBS) or synPTH-αRANKL-1 heavy chain fusion (synPTH-αRANKL-1 HCF) according to the work in Example 5.

FIG. 23 shows the rate of bone formation in huRANKL mice treated with vehicle (PBS), human PTH(1-34), αRANKL-1, or synPTH-αRANKL-1 heavy chain fusion (synPTH-αRANKL-1 HCF); and in aged wild-type mice treated with vehicle (PBS) or synPTH-αRANKL-1 heavy chain fusion (synPTH-αRANKL-1 HCF) according to the work in Example 5.

FIG. 24 shows micro-computed tomography (microCT) of femoral shafts from huRANKL mice treated with vehicle (PBS), human PTH(1-34), αRANKL-1, or synPTH-αRANKL-1 heavy chain fusion (synPTH-αRANKL-1 HCF); and from aged wild-type mice treated with vehicle (PBS) or synPTH-αRANKL-1 heavy chain fusion (synPTH-αRANKL-1 HCF) according to the work in Example 5.

FIG. 25 shows micro-computed tomography (microCT) of L6 vertebrae from huRANKL mice treated with vehicle (PBS), human PTH(1-34), αRANKL-1, or synPTH-αRANKL-1 heavy chain fusion (synPTH-αRANKL-1 HCF).

FIG. 26 shows micro-computed tomography (microCT) of left tibiae from huRANKL mice treated with vehicle (PBS), human PTH(1-34), αRANKL-1, or synPTH-αRANKL-1 heavy chain fusion (synPTH-αRANKL-1 HCF).

FIG. 27 shows micro-computed tomography (microCT) of left femurs from huRANKL mice treated with vehicle (PBS), human PTH(1-34), αRANKL-1, or synPTH-αRANKL-1 heavy chain fusion (synPTH-αRANKL-1 HCF).

FIG. 28 shows the amino acid sequence of the αRANKL-1 antibody heavy chain variable region (SEQ ID NO: 11).

FIG. 29 shows the amino acid sequence of the αRANKL-1 antibody light chain variable region (SEQ ID NO: 12).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN EMBODIMENTS

The section headings used herein are for organizational purposes only and are not to be construed as limiting the subject matter described. All documents, or portions of documents, cited in this application, including but not limited to patents, patent applications, articles, books, and treatises, are hereby expressly incorporated by reference herein in their entirety for any purpose.

Standard techniques may be used for recombinant DNA, oligonucleotide synthesis, and tissue culture and transformation (e.g., electroporation, lipofection). Enzymatic reactions and purification techniques may be performed according to manufacturer's specifications or as commonly accomplished in the art or as described herein. The foregoing techniques and procedures may be generally performed according to conventional methods well known in the art and as described in various general and more specific references that are cited and discussed throughout the present specification. See e.g., Sambrook et al. Molecular Cloning: A Laboratory Manual (2d ed., Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press, Cold Spring Harbor, N.Y. (1989)). Unless specific definitions are provided, the nomenclatures utilized in connection with, and the laboratory procedures and techniques of, analytical chemistry, synthetic organic chemistry, and medicinal and pharmaceutical chemistry described herein are those well known and commonly used in the art. Standard techniques may be used for chemical syntheses, chemical analyses, pharmaceutical preparation, formulation, and delivery, and treatment of patients.

In this application, the use of the singular includes the plural unless specifically stated otherwise. In this application, the use of “or” means “and/or” unless stated otherwise. Furthermore, the use of the term “including”, as well as other forms, such as “includes” and “included”, is not limiting. Also, terms such as “element” or “component” encompass both elements and components comprising one unit and elements and components that comprise more than one subunit unless specifically stated otherwise.

DEFINITIONS

As utilized in accordance with the present disclosure, the following terms, unless otherwise indicated, shall be understood to have the following meanings:

The terms “polypeptide,” “peptide,” and “protein” are used interchangeably herein and refer to a polymer of two or more amino acids joined together by peptide bonds or modified peptide bonds. The terms apply to amino acid polymers containing naturally occurring amino acids as well as amino acid polymers in which one or more amino acid residues is a non-naturally occurring amino acid or a chemical analogue of a naturally occurring amino acid. An amino acid polymer may contain one or more amino acid residues that has been modified by one or more natural processes, such as post-translational processing, and/or one or more amino acid residues that has been modified by one or more chemical modification techniques known in the art.

The term “isolated polypeptide” refers to any polypeptide that (1) is free of at least some polypeptides with which it would normally be found, or (2) is essentially free of other polypeptides from the same source, e.g., that are found in the same environment, such as in the same cell or fluid, or (3) is expressed by a cell of a different species from the species of origin of the polypeptide, (4) is expressed in a cell-free expression system, (5) is prepared synthetically, or (6) does not occur in nature.

A “fragment” of a reference polypeptide refers to a contiguous stretch of amino acids from any portion of the reference polypeptide. A fragment may be of any length that is less than the length of the reference polypeptide.

A “variant” of a reference polypeptide refers to a polypeptide having one or more amino acid substitutions, deletions, or insertions relative to the reference polypeptide.

Variants of a reference polypeptide include, but are not limited to, cysteine variants. Cysteine variants include variants in which one or more cysteine residues of the reference polypeptide are replaced by one or more non-cysteine residues; and/or one or more non-cysteine residues of the reference polypeptide are replaced by one or more cysteine residues. Cysteine variants may be useful, in certain embodiments, when a particular polypeptide must be refolded into a biologically active conformation, e.g., after the isolation of insoluble inclusion bodies. In certain embodiments, cysteine variants of a reference polypeptide have fewer cysteine residues than the reference polypeptide. In certain embodiments, cysteine variants have more cysteine residues that the reference polypeptide. In certain embodiments, cysteine variants of a reference polypeptide have an even number of cysteines to minimize interactions resulting from unpaired cysteines.

Variants of a reference polypeptide include, but are not limited to, glycosylation variants. Glycosylation variants include variants in which the number and/or type of glycosylation sites have been altered as compared to the reference polypeptide. In certain embodiments, glycosylation variants of a reference polypeptide comprise a greater or a lesser number of N-linked glycosylation sites than the reference polypeptide. In certain embodiments, an N-linked glycosylation site is characterized by the sequence Asn-X-Ser or Asn-X-Thr, wherein the amino acid residue designated as X may be any amino acid residue except proline. In certain embodiments, glycosylation variants include rearrangements of N-linked carbohydrate chains wherein one or more N-linked glycosylation sites (including, but not limited to, naturally-occurring glycosylation sites) are eliminated and one or more new N-linked glycosylation sites are created.

A “derivative” of a reference polypeptide refers to a polypeptide (1) having one or more modifications of one of more amino acid residues of the reference polypeptide; and/or (2) in which one or more peptidyl linkages has been replaced with one or more non-peptidyl linkages; and/or (3) in which the N-terminus and/or the C-terminus has been modified.

In certain embodiments, polypeptides may be branched and/or cyclic. Cyclic, branched and branched cyclic polypeptides may result from post-translation natural processes (including, but not limited to, ubiquitination) or may be made by synthetic methods.

The term “polypeptide” encompasses RANKL antibody-PTH/PTHrP chimeric molecules. In certain embodiments, the term “polypeptide” encompasses RANKL antibody-PTH/PTHrP chimeric molecules, wherein one or more RANKL antibodies and one or more PTH/PTHrP peptides have been translated from a single coding sequence to produce a single contiguous polypeptide. In certain embodiments, the term “polypeptide” encompasses RANKL antibody-PTH/PTHrP chimeric molecules, wherein one or more RANKL antibodies and one or more PTH/PTHrP peptides have been chemically synthesized as a single contiguous polypeptide. In certain embodiments, the term “polypeptide” encompasses RANKL antibody-PTH/PTHrP chimeric molecules, wherein one or more RANKL antibodies and one or more PTH/PTHrP peptides have been produced separately, either enzymatically or chemically, and then chemically or enzymatically linked to one another.

In certain embodiments, a polypeptide comprises one or more randomized amino acids and/or stretches of amino acids. In certain embodiments, a polynucleotide comprises one or more randomized nucleotides and/or stretches of nucleotides.

The term “randomized” refers to a residue or stretch of residues that are randomly substituted. A stretch of residues comprises two or more contiguous residues. In certain embodiments, random substitution means that a particular amino acid position is substituted randomly with an amino acid selected from a pool of two or more amino acids. In certain embodiments, a particular amino acid position is substituted randomly with an amino acid selected from a pool of five or more amino acids. In certain embodiments, a particular amino acid position is substituted randomly with an amino acid selected from a pool of ten or more amino acids. In certain embodiments, a particular amino acid position is substituted randomly with an amino acid selected from a pool of fifteen or more amino acids. In certain embodiments, a particular amino acid position is substituted randomly with an amino acid selected from a pool of twenty or more amino acids. In certain embodiments, a polypeptide having a desired characteristic may be selected from a pool of randomized polypeptides using at least one technique selected from phage display, E. coli display, ribosome display, RNA-peptide screening, chemical screening, and the like.

In certain embodiments, random substitution means that a particular nucleotide position is substituted randomly with a nucleotide selected from a pool of two or more nucleotides. In certain embodiments, a particular nucleotide position is substituted randomly with a nucleotide selected from a pool of three or more nucleotides. In certain embodiments, a particular nucleotide position is substituted randomly with a nucleotide selected from a pool of four or more nucleotides. In certain embodiments, a polynucleotide having one or more randomized nucleotides and/or stretches of nucleotides encodes a polypeptide having one or more randomized amino acids and/or stretches of amino acids.

The term “PTH/PTHrP modulating domain” refers to a polypeptide that binds to a PTH-1 receptor and/or a PTH-2 receptor. In certain embodiments, a PTH/PTHrP modulating domain comprises a naturally-occurring sequence. In certain embodiments, a PTH/PTHrP modulating domain comprises at least one randomized residue and/or sequence. Certain exemplary PTH/PTHrP modulating domains are discussed in or can be identified or derived from the documents listed for Tables 1A and 2.

The term “PTH/PTHrP” or “PTH/PTHrP peptide” refers to a polypeptide comprising a PTH/PTHrP modulating domain. In certain embodiments, a PTH/PTHrP peptide comprises a prepro domain in addition to a PTH/PTHrP modulating domain. In certain embodiments, a PTH/PTHrP peptide comprises a portion of a prepro domain in addition to a PTH/PTHrP modulating domain. The term “PTH/PTHrP peptide” encompasses mature PTH/PTHrP peptides that result from processing a PTH/PTHrP peptide having a prepro domain to remove that prepro domain. The term “PTH/PTHrP peptide” encompasses any intermediates that are formed during processing of a PTH/PTHrP peptide having a prepro domain, even if those intermediates are not further processed.

The term “PTH agonist” refers to a molecule that binds to a PTH-1 receptor and/or a PTH-2 receptor and causes a similar response in one or more PTH activity assays as full-length PTH. In certain embodiments, a “similar response” means that the PTH agonist increases a signal in a PTH activity assay relative to a control under the same conditions that full-length PTH increases the signal relative to the control in the same PTH activity assay. In certain embodiments, a “similar response” means that the PTH agonist decreases a signal relative to a control in a PTH activity assay under the same conditions that full-length PTH decreases the signal relative to the control in the same PTH activity assay. Certain exemplary PTH activity assays are described, e.g., in Example 5 and in PCT Publication No. WO 01/81415.

The term “PTH antagonist” refers to a molecule that binds to a PTH-1 receptor and/or a PTH-2 receptor and blocks or prevents the normal effect that full-length PTH has on the receptor. Certain exemplary PTH activity assays are described, e.g., in Example 5 and in PCT Publication No. WO 01/81415.

The term “naturally-occurring” as applied to an object means that the object can be found in nature. For example, a polypeptide or polynucleotide that is present in an organism (including viruses) that can be isolated from a source in nature is naturally-occurring.

The term “chimeric molecule” refers to a molecule that comprises at least two components that are not normally part of the same molecule. Each component of a chimeric molecule is linked to at least one other component of the chimeric molecule. In certain embodiments, a first component of a chimeric molecule may be covalently linked to a second component that is the same as, or different from, the first component. Thus, as a non-limiting example, in a chimeric molecule that comprises one RANKL antibody and two PTH/PTHrP peptides having the same sequence, the RANKL antibody may be linked to the first PTH/PTHrP peptide and the second PTH/PTHrP peptide may also be linked to the first PTH/PTHrP peptide.

The term “linked” refers to components that are associated either covalently or non-covalently such that they remain substantially associated under physiological conditions. In certain embodiments, a first polypeptide and a second polypeptide may be covalently linked. In certain embodiments, a first polypeptide and a second polypeptide may be covalently linked by translating the first and second polypeptides as single contiguous polypeptide. In certain embodiments, a first polypeptide and a second polypeptide may be covalently linked by synthesizing the first and second polypeptides as a single contiguous polypeptide. In certain embodiments, a first polypeptide and a second polypeptide may be covalently linked by translating and/or synthesizing the first and second polypeptides separately, and then linking them together chemically and/or enzymatically.

In certain embodiments, when a first and second polypeptide are translated as a single contiguous polypeptide, a linker sequence may be included between the C-terminus of the first polypeptide and the N-terminus of the second polypeptide. In certain embodiments, a linker sequence is between 1 and 100 amino acids long. In certain embodiments, a linker sequence is between 5 and 50 amino acids long. In certain embodiments, a linker sequence is between 10 and 30 amino acids long.

In certain embodiments, a first polypeptide and a second polypeptide are covalently linked. In certain embodiments, a first polypeptide and a second polypeptide are produced separately, and then covalently linked to one another. Certain exemplary peptide and non-peptide covalent linkers are known in the art and/or are discussed herein.

In certain embodiments, a first polypeptide and a second polypeptide are linked noncovalently. In certain embodiments, a first polypeptide and a second polypeptide are linked noncovalently by incorporating into a first polypeptide sequence a first member of a binding pair and incorporating into a second polypeptide sequence a second member of a binding pair, such that when the first and second polypeptides are exposed to one another under appropriate conditions, the first and second members of the binding pair interact and noncovalently link the polypeptides.

As used herein, the term “binding pair” refers to two molecules that specifically bind to one another. Certain exemplary binding pairs include biotin and avidin, biotin and streptavidin, His₆ tag and nickel, human serum albumin and its binding peptides, human serum albumin and an antibody fragment, an antibody and its antigen, an antibody fragment and its antigen, a Nanobody™ and its antigen, and a domain antibody and its antigen. Certain exemplary Nanobodies™ are described, e.g., in PCT Publication Nos. WO 03/050531, WO 04/041862, WO 04/041863, WO 04/041865, WO 04/041867, WO 04/062551, and European Application No. 1456410. Certain exemplary domain antibodies are described, e.g., in U.S. Pat. No. 6,696,245, and PCT Publication Nos. WO 04/058821, WO 04/003019 and WO 03/002609.

The term “operably linked” refers to components that are in a relationship permitting them to function in their intended manner. For example, in the context of a polynucleotide sequence, a control sequence may be “operably linked” to a coding sequence when the control sequence and coding sequence are associated in such a way that expression of the coding sequence is achieved under conditions compatible with the functioning of the control sequence.

The term “control sequence” refers to polynucleotide sequences which may effect the expression and processing of coding sequences to which they are associated. The nature of such control sequences may differ depending upon the host organism. Certain exemplary control sequences for prokaryotes include, but are not limited to, promoters, ribosomal binding sites, and transcription termination sequences. Certain exemplary control sequences for eukaryotes include, but are not limited to, promoters and transcription termination sequences.

In certain embodiments, a first polynucleotide coding sequence is operably linked to a second polynucleotide coding sequence when the first and second polynucleotide coding sequences are transcribed into a single contiguous mRNA that can be translated into a single contiguous polypeptide.

In the context of polypeptides, two or more polypeptides are “operably linked” if each linked polypeptide is able to function in its intended manner. A polypeptide that is able to function in its intended manner when operably linked to another polypeptide may or may not be able to function in its intended manner when not operably linked to another polypeptide. For example, in certain embodiments, a first polypeptide may be unable to function in its intended manner when unlinked, but may be stabilized by being linked to a second polypeptide such that it becomes able to function in its intended manner. Alternatively, in certain embodiments, a first polypeptide may be able to function in its intended manner when unlinked, and may retain that ability when operably linked to a second polypeptide.

As used herein, two or more polypeptides are “fused” when the two or more polypeptides are linked by translating them as a single contiguous polypeptide sequence or by synthesizing them as a single contiguous polypeptide sequence. In certain embodiments, two or more fused polypeptides may have been translated in vivo from two or more operably linked polynucleotide coding sequences. In certain embodiments, two or more fused polypeptides may have been translated in vitro from two or more operably linked polynucleotide coding sequences.

As used herein, two or more polypeptides are “operably fused” if each linked polypeptide is able to function in its intended manner.

In certain embodiments, a first polypeptide that contains two or more distinct polypeptide units is considered to be linked to a second polypeptide so long as at least one of the distinct polypeptide units of the first polypeptide is linked to the second polypeptide. As a non-limiting example, in certain embodiments, an antibody is considered linked to a second polypeptide in all of the following instances: (a) the second polypeptide is linked to one of the heavy chain polypeptides of the antibody; (b) the second polypeptide is linked to one of the light chain polypeptides of the antibody; (c) a first molecule of the second polypeptide is linked to one of the heavy chain polypeptides of the antibody and a second molecule of the second polypeptide is linked to one of the light chain polypeptides of the antibody; and (d) first and second molecules of the second polypeptide are linked to the first and second heavy chain polypeptides of the antibody and third and fourth molecules of the second polypeptide are linked to first and second light chain polypeptides of the antibody.

In certain embodiments, the language “a first polypeptide linked to a second polypeptide” encompasses situations where: (a) only one molecule of a first polypeptide is linked to only one molecule of a second polypeptide; (b) only one molecule of a first polypeptide is linked to more than one molecule of a second polypeptide; (c) more than one molecule of a first polypeptide is linked to only one molecule of a second polypeptide; and (d) more than one molecule of a first polypeptide is linked to more than one molecule of a second polypeptide. In certain embodiments, when a linked molecule comprises more than one molecule of a first polypeptide and only one molecule of a second polypeptide, all or fewer than all of the molecules of the first polypeptide may be covalently or noncovalently linked to the second polypeptide. In certain embodiments, when a linked molecule comprises more than one molecule of a first polypeptide, one or more molecules of the first polypeptide may be covalently or noncovalently linked to other molecules of the first polypeptide.

As used herein, a “flexible linker” refers to any linker that is not predicted, according to its chemical structure, to be fixed in three-dimensional space. One skilled in the art can predict whether a particular linker is flexible in its intended context.

As used herein, the twenty conventional amino acids and their abbreviations follow conventional usage. See Immunology—A Synthesis, 2nd Edition, E. S. Golub and D. R. Gren, Eds., Sinauer Associates, Sunderland, Mass. (1991). In certain embodiments, one or more unconventional amino acids may be incorporated into a polypeptide. The term “unconventional amino acid” refers to any amino acid that is not one of the twenty conventional amino acids. The term “non-naturally occurring amino acids” refers to amino acids that are not found in nature. Non-naturally occurring amino acids are a subset of unconventional amino acids. Unconventional amino acids include, but are not limited to, stereoisomers (e.g., D-amino acids) of the twenty conventional amino acids, α-, α-disubstituted amino acids, N-alkyl amino acids, lactic acid, homoserine, homocysteine, 4-hydroxyproline, γ-carboxyglutamate, ε-N,N,N-trimethyllysine, ε-N-acetyllysine, O-phosphoserine, N-acetylserine, N-formylmethionine, 3-methylhistidine, 5-hydroxylysine, σ-N-methylarginine, and any other unconventional amino acids and imino acids (e.g., 4-hydroxyproline) and known in the art. Unconventional amino acid residues include, but are not limited to, peptidomimetics and other reversed or inverted forms of amino acid moieties. In the polypeptide notation used herein, the left-hand direction is the amino terminal direction and the right-hand direction is the carboxy-terminal direction, in accordance with standard usage and convention.

In certain embodiments, conservative amino acid substitutions include substitution with one or more unconventional amino acid residues. In certain embodiments, unconventional amino acid residues are incorporated by chemical peptide synthesis rather than by synthesis in biological systems.

The term “acidic residue” refers to an amino acid residue in D- or L-form that comprises at least one acidic group when incorporated into a polypeptide between two other amino acid residues that are the same or different. In certain embodiments, an acidic residue comprises a side chain that comprises at least one acidic group. Exemplary acidic residues include, but are not limited to, aspartic acid (D) and glutamic acid (E). In certain embodiments, an acidic residue may be an unconventional amino acid.

The term “aromatic residue” refers to an amino acid residue in D- or L-form that comprises at least one aromatic group. In certain embodiments, an aromatic residue comprises a side chain that comprises at least one aromatic group. Exemplary aromatic residues include, but are not limited to, phenylalanine (F), tyrosine (Y), and tryptophan (W). In certain embodiments, an aromatic residue may be an unconventional amino acid.

The term “basic residue” refers to an amino acid residue in D- or L-form that may comprise at least one basic group when incorporated into a polypeptide between two amino acid residues that are the same or different. In certain embodiments, a basic residue comprises a side chain that comprises at least one basic group. Exemplary basic residues include, but are not limited to, histidine (H), lysine (K), and arginine (R). In certain embodiments, a basic residue may be an unconventional amino acid.

The terms “hydrophilic residue” and “Haa” refer to an amino acid residue in D- or L-form that comprises at least one hydrophilic group and/or polar group when incorporated into a polypeptide between two amino acid residues that are the same or different. In certain embodiments, a hydrophilic residue comprises a side chain that comprises at least one hydrophilic group and/or polar group. Exemplary hydrophilic residues include, but are not limited to, alanine (A) cysteine (C), aspartic acid (D), glutamic acid (E), histidine (H), lysine (K), asparagine (N), glutamine (Q), arginine (R), serine (S), and threonine (T). In certain embodiments, a hydrophilic residue may be an unconventional amino acid.

The term “neutral hydrophilic residue” refers to an amino acid residue in D- or L-form that comprises at least one hydrophilic and/or polar group, but does not comprise an acidic or basic group when incorporated into a polypeptide between two amino acid residues that are the same or different. Exemplary neutral hydrophilic residues include, but are not limited to, alanine (A), cysteine (C), serine (S), threonine (T), asparagine (N), and glutamine (Q). In certain embodiments, a neutral hydrophilic residue may be an unconventional amino acid.

The terms “lipophilic residue” and “Laa” refer to an amino acid residue in D- or L-form having at least one uncharged, aliphatic and/or aromatic group. In certain embodiments, a lipophilic residue comprises a side chain that comprises at least one uncharged, aliphatic and/or aromatic group. Exemplary lipophilic side chains include, but are not limited to, alanine (A), phenylalanine (F), isoleucine (I), leucine (L), norleucine (Nle), methionine (M), valine (V), tryptophan (W), and tyrosine (Y). In certain embodiments, a lipophilic residue may be an unconventional amino acid.

The term “amphiphilic residue” refers to an amino acid residue in D- or L-form that is capable of being either a hydrophilic or lipophilic residue. An exemplary amphiphilic residue includes, but is not limited to, alanine (A). In certain embodiments, an amphiphilic residue may be an unconventional amino acid.

The term “nonfunctional residue” refers to an amino acid residue in D- or L-form that lacks acidic, basic, and aromatic groups when incorporated into a polypeptide between two amino acid residues that are the same or different. Exemplary nonfunctional amino acid residues include, but are not limited to, methionine (M), glycine (G), alanine (A), valine (V), isoleucine (I), leucine (L), and norleucine (Nle). In certain embodiments, a nonfunctional residue may be an unconventional amino acid.

In certain embodiments, glycine (G) and proline (P) are considered amino acid residues that can influence polypeptide chain orientation.

In certain embodiments, a conservative substitution may involve replacing a member of one residue type with a member of the same residue type. As a non-limiting example, in certain embodiments, a conservative substitution may involve replacing an acidic residue, such as D, with a different acidic residue, such as E. In certain embodiments, a non-conservative substitution may involve replacing a member of one residue type with a member of a different residue type. As a non-limiting example, in certain embodiments, a non-conservative substitution may involve replacing an acidic residue, such as D, with a basic residue, such as K. In certain embodiments, a cysteine residue is substituted with another amino acid residue to prevent disulfide bond formation with that position in the polypeptide.

In making conservative or non-conservative substitutions, according to certain embodiments, the hydropathic index of amino acids may be considered. Each amino acid has been assigned a hydropathic index on the basis of its hydrophobicity and charge characteristics. They are: isoleucine (+4.5); valine (+4.2); leucine (+3.8); phenylalanine (+2.8); cysteine/cystine (+2.5); methionine (+1.9); alanine (+1.8); glycine (−0.4); threonine (−0.7); serine (−0.8); tryptophan (−0.9); tyrosine (−1.3); proline (−1.6); histidine (−3.2); glutamate (−3.5); glutamine (−3.5); aspartate (−3.5); asparagine (−3.5); lysine (−3.9); and arginine (−4.5).

The importance of the hydropathic amino acid index in conferring interactive biological function on a polypeptide is understood in the art. See, e.g., Kyte et al., J. Mol. Biol., 157:105-131 (1982). It is known in certain instances that certain amino acids may be substituted for other amino acids having a similar hydropathic index or score and still retain a similar biological activity. In making changes based upon the hydropathic index, in certain embodiments, the substitution of amino acids whose hydropathic indices are within ±2 is included. In certain embodiments, those which are within ±1 are included, and in certain embodiments, those within ±0.5 are included.

It is also understood in the art that the substitution of like amino acids can be made effectively on the basis of hydrophilicity, particularly where the biologically functional polypeptide thereby created is intended for use in immunological embodiments, as in the present case. In certain embodiments, the greatest local average hydrophilicity of a polypeptide, as governed by the hydrophilicity of its adjacent amino acids, correlates with its immunogenicity and antigenicity, i.e., with a biological property of the polypeptide.

The following hydrophilicity values have been assigned to these amino acid residues: arginine (+3.0); lysine (+3.0); aspartate (+3.0±1); glutamate (+3.0±1); serine (+0.3); asparagine (+0.2); glutamine (+0.2); glycine (0); threonine (−0.4); proline (−0.5±1); alanine (−0.5); histidine (−0.5); cysteine (−1.0); methionine (−1.3); valine (−1.5); leucine (−1.8); isoleucine (−1.8); tyrosine (−2.3); phenylalanine (−2.5) and tryptophan (−3.4). In making changes based upon similar hydrophilicity values, in certain embodiments, the substitution of amino acids whose hydrophilicity values are within ±2 is included, in certain embodiments, those which are within ±1 are included, and in certain embodiments, those within ±0.5 are included. In certain instances, one may also identify epitopes from primary amino acid sequences on the basis of hydrophilicity. These regions are also referred to as “epitopic core regions.”

Exemplary amino acid substitutions are set forth in Table 1.

TABLE 1 Amino Acid Substitutions More Specific Original Exemplary Exemplary Residues Substitutions Substitutions Ala Val, Leu, Ile Val Arg Lys, Gln, Asn Lys Asn Gln Gln Asp Glu Glu Cys Ser, Ala Ser Gln Asn Asn Glu Asp Asp Gly Pro, Ala Ala His Asn, Gln, Lys, Arg Arg Ile Leu, Val, Met, Ala, Leu Phe, Norleucine Leu Norleucine, Ile, Ile Val, Met, Ala, Phe Lys Arg, 1,4 Diamino-butyric Arg Acid, Gln, Asn Met Leu, Phe, Ile Leu Phe Leu, Val, Ile, Ala, Leu Tyr Pro Ala Gly Ser Thr, Ala, Cys Thr Thr Ser Ser Trp Tyr, Phe Tyr Tyr Trp, Phe, Thr, Ser Phe Val Ile, Met, Leu, Phe, Leu Ala, Norleucine

In certain embodiments, a skilled artisan will be able to determine suitable substitution variants of a reference polypeptide using well-known techniques. In certain embodiments, one skilled in the art may identify suitable areas of the molecule that may be changed without destroying activity by targeting regions not believed to be important for activity. In certain embodiments, one can identify residues and portions of the molecules that are conserved among similar polypeptides. In certain embodiments, areas that may be important for biological activity or for structure may be subject to conservative amino acid substitutions without destroying the biological activity or without adversely affecting the polypeptide structure.

Additionally, in certain embodiments, one skilled in the art can review structure-function studies identifying residues in similar polypeptides that are important for activity and/or structure. In view of such a comparison, in certain embodiments, one can predict the importance of amino acid residues in a polypeptide that correspond to amino acid residues which are important for activity or structure in similar polypeptides. In certain embodiments, one skilled in the art may opt for chemically similar amino acid substitutions for such predicted important amino acid residues.

In certain embodiments, one skilled in the art can also analyze the three-dimensional structure and amino acid sequence in relation to that structure in similar polypeptides. In view of such information, in certain embodiments, one skilled in the art may predict the alignment of amino acid residues of an antibody with respect to its three dimensional structure. In certain embodiments, one skilled in the art may choose not to make radical changes to amino acid residues predicted to be on the surface of the polypeptide, since such residues may be involved in important interactions with other molecules. Moreover, in certain embodiments, one skilled in the art may generate test variants containing a single amino acid substitution at each desired amino acid residue. In certain embodiments, the variants can then be screened using activity assays known to those skilled in the art. In certain embodiments, such variants could be used to gather information about suitable variants. For example, in certain embodiments, if one discovered that a change to a particular amino acid residue resulted in destroyed, undesirably reduced, or unsuitable activity, variants with such a change may be avoided. In other words, based on information gathered from such routine experiments, one skilled in the art can readily determine the amino acids where further substitutions should be avoided either alone or in combination with other mutations.

A number of scientific publications have been devoted to the prediction of secondary structure. See, e.g., Moult J., Curr. Op. in Biotech., 7(4):422-427 (1996), Chou et al., Biochemistry, 13(2):222-245 (1974); Chou et al., Biochemistry, 113(2):211-222 (1974); Chou et al., Adv. Enzymol. Relat. Areas Mol. Biol., 47:45-148 (1978); Chou et al., Ann. Rev. Biochem., 47:251-276 and Chou et al., Biophys. J., 26:367-384 (1979). Moreover, computer programs are currently available to assist with predicting secondary structure. One exemplary method of predicting secondary structure is based upon homology modeling. For example, in certain instances, two polypeptides that have a sequence identity of greater than 30%, or similarity greater than 40% may have similar structural topologies. The recent growth of the protein structural database (PDB) has provided enhanced predictability of secondary structure, including the potential number of folds within a polypeptide's structure. See, e.g., Holm et al., Nucl. Acid. Res., 27(1):244-247 (1999). It has been suggested that there are a limited number of folds in a given polypeptide and that once a critical number of structures have been resolved, structural prediction will become dramatically more accurate. See, e.g., Brenner et al., Curr. Op. Struct. Biol., 7(3):369-376 (1997).

Additional exemplary methods of predicting secondary structure include, but are not limited to, “threading” (Jones, D., Curr. Opin. Struct. Biol., 7(3):377-87 (1997); Sippl et al., Structure, 4(1):15-19 (1996).), “profile analysis” (Bowie et al., Science, 253:164-170 (1991); Gribskov et al., Meth. Enzym., 183:146-159 (1990); Gribskov et al., Proc. Nat. Acad. Sci., 84(13):4355-4358 (1987).), and “evolutionary linkage” (See Holm, supra (1999), and Brenner, supra (1997).).

In certain embodiments, identity and similarity of polypeptides can be readily calculated by known methods. Such methods include, but are not limited to, those described in Computational Molecular Biology, Lesk, A. M., ed., Oxford University Press, New York (1988); Biocomputing: Informatics and Genome Projects, Smith, D. W., ed., Academic Press, New York (1993); Computer Analysis of Sequence Data, Part 1, Griffin, A. M., and Griffin, H. G., eds., Humana Press, New Jersey (1994); Sequence Analysis in Molecular Biology, von Heinje, G., Academic Press (1987); Sequence Analysis Primer, Gribskov, M. and Devereux, J., eds., M. Stockton Press, New York (1991); and Carillo et al., SIAM J. Applied Math., 48:1073 (1988).

In certain embodiments, methods to determine identity are designed to give the largest match between the sequences tested. Certain exemplary methods to determine identity are described in publicly available computer programs. Exemplary computer program methods to determine identity between two sequences include, but are not limited to, the GCG program package, including GAP (Devereux et al., Nucl. Acid. Res., 12:387 (1984); Genetics Computer Group, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wis.), BLASTP, BLASTN, and FASTA (Altschul et al., J. Mol. Biol., 215:403-410 (1990)). The BLASTX program is publicly available from the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) and other sources (BLAST Manual, Altschul et al. NCB/NLM/NIH Bethesda, Md. 20894; Altschul et al., supra (1990)). In certain embodiments, the Smith Waterman algorithm, which is known in the art, may also be used to determine identity.

Certain alignment schemes for aligning two amino acid sequences may result in the matching of only a short region of the two sequences, and this small aligned region may have very high sequence identity even though there is no significant relationship between the two full-length sequences. Accordingly, in certain embodiments, the selected alignment method (GAP program) will result in an alignment that spans at least 50 contiguous amino acids of the target polypeptide.

For example, using the computer algorithm GAP (Genetics Computer Group, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wis.), two polypeptides for which the percent sequence identity is to be determined are aligned for optimal matching of their respective amino acids (the “matched span”, as determined by the algorithm). In certain embodiments, a gap opening penalty (which is calculated as 3× the average diagonal; the “average diagonal” is the average of the diagonal of the comparison matrix being used; the “diagonal” is the score or number assigned to each perfect amino acid match by the particular comparison matrix) and a gap extension penalty (which is usually 1/10 times the gap opening penalty), as well as a comparison matrix such as PAM 250 or BLOSUM 62 are used in conjunction with the algorithm. In certain embodiments, a standard comparison matrix is also used by the algorithm. See, e.g., Dayhoff et al., Atlas of Protein Sequence and Structure, 5(3) (1978) for the PAM 250 comparison matrix; Henikoff et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, 89:10915-10919 (1992) for the BLOSUM 62 comparison matrix.

In certain embodiments, the parameters for a polypeptide sequence comparison include the following:

Algorithm: Needleman et al., J. Mol. Biol., 48:443-453 (1970);

Comparison matrix: BLOSUM 62 from Henikoff et al., supra (1992);

Gap Penalty: 12

Gap Length Penalty: 4

Threshold of Similarity: 0

In certain embodiments, the GAP program may be useful with the above parameters. In certain embodiments, the aforementioned parameters are the default parameters for polypeptide comparisons (along with no penalty for end gaps) using the GAP algorithm.

According to certain embodiments, amino acid substitutions are those which: (1) reduce susceptibility to proteolysis, (2) reduce susceptibility to oxidation, (3) alter binding affinity for forming protein complexes, (4) alter binding affinities, and/or (4) confer or modify other physicochemical or functional properties on such polypeptides. According to certain embodiments, single or multiple amino acid substitutions (in certain embodiments, conservative amino acid substitutions) may be made in the naturally-occurring sequence (in certain embodiments, in the portion of the polypeptide outside the domain(s) forming intermolecular contacts).

In certain embodiments, a conservative amino acid substitution typically may not substantially change the structural characteristics of the parent sequence (e.g., in certain embodiments, a replacement amino acid should not tend to break a helix that occurs in the parent sequence, or disrupt other types of secondary structure that characterizes the parent sequence). Certain examples of art-recognized polypeptide secondary and tertiary structures are described, e.g., in Proteins, Structures and Molecular Principles (Creighton, Ed., W.H. Freeman and Company, New York (1984)); Introduction to Protein Structure (C. Branden and J. Tooze, eds., Garland Publishing, New York, N.Y. (1991)); and Thomton et at. Nature 354:105 (1991).

In certain embodiments, a conservative amino acid substitution has little or no effect on the polarity of the charge at that position. In certain embodiments, any native residue in a polypeptide may be substituted with alanine, as has been previously described for “alanine scanning mutagenesis.” See, e.g., See, e.g., MacLennan et al. Acta Physiol. Scand. Suppl. 643: 55-67 (1998); and Sasaki et al. Adv. Biophys. 35:1-24 (1998).

The term “antibody” refers to an intact antibody, or a fragment of an antibody that competes with the intact antibody for antigen binding. In certain embodiments, antibody fragments are produced by recombinant DNA techniques. In certain embodiments, antibody fragments are produced by enzymatic or chemical cleavage of intact antibodies. Exemplary antibody fragments include, but are not limited to, Fab, Fab′, F(ab′)2, Fv, and scFv. Exemplary antibody fragments also include, but are not limited to, domain antibodies, nanobodies, minibodies ((scFv-C_(H)3)₂), maxibodies ((scFv-C_(H)2-C_(H)3)₂), diabodies (noncovalent dimer of scFv). An antibody fragment may, optionally, be linked to an immunoglobulin (Ig) heavy chain region comprising one or more of CH1, CH2 and CH3 regions. In certain embodiments, an antibody may comprise one or more heavy chains, one or more light chains, or one or more of both heavy and light chains, or fragments thereof which are capable of binding antigen.

Antibodies specific to an antigen may be produced in a number of ways. In certain embodiments, an antigen containing an epitope of interest may be introduced into an animal host (e.g., a mouse), thus producing antibodies specific to that epitope. In certain embodiments, antibodies specific to an epitope of interest may be obtained from biological samples taken from hosts that were naturally exposed to the epitope. In certain embodiments, introduction of human immunoglobulin (Ig) loci into mice in which the endogenous Ig genes have been inactivated offers the opportunity to obtain fully human monoclonal antibodies (MAbs).

Naturally occurring antibody structural units typically comprise a tetramer. A tetramer typically comprises two identical pairs of polypeptide chains, each pair having one light chain (in certain embodiments, about 25 kDa) and one heavy chain (in certain embodiments, about 50-70 kDa).

The term “heavy chain” refers to a heavy chain polypeptide having sufficient variable region sequence to confer specificity for a particular antigen. Thus, the term “heavy chain”, as used herein, encompasses a full-length heavy chain and fragments thereof. A full-length heavy typically comprises a variable region domain, V_(H), and three constant region domains, C_(H)1, C_(H)2, and C_(H)3. The V_(H) domain is at the amino-terminus of the polypeptide, and the C_(H)3 domain is at the carboxy-terminus. A “heavy chain” may comprise a V_(H) domain, or a portion of a V_(H) domain comprising one or more of the complementarity determining regions (CDRs). A “heavy chain” may optionally include one or more constant region domains, C_(H)1, C_(H)2, and/or C_(H)3.

The term “light chain” refers to any polypeptide having sufficient light chain variable region sequence to confer specificity for a particular epitope. Thus, the term “light chain”, as used herein, encompasses a full-length light chain and fragments thereof. A full-length light chain typically comprises a variable region domain, V_(L), and a constant region domain, C_(L). The variable region domain of the light chain is at the amino-terminus of the polypeptide. A “light chain” may comprise a V_(L) domain, or a portion of a V_(L) domain comprising one or more of the complementary determining regions (CDRs). A “light chain” may optionally include a constant region domain (C_(L)).

The amino-terminal portion of each chain typically includes a variable region (V_(H) in the heavy chain and V_(L) in the light chain) of about 100 to 110 or more amino acids. The variable regions of each light/heavy chain pair typically form the antigen binding site. The carboxy-terminal portion of each chain typically defines a constant region (C_(H) domains in the heavy chain and C_(L) in the light chain) that may be responsible for effector function. Exemplary antibody effector functions include activation of complement and stimulation of opsonophagocytosis. Naturally-occurring human light chains are typically classified as kappa and lambda light chains. Naturally-occurring human heavy chains are typically classified as mu, delta, gamma, alpha, or epsilon, and define the antibody's isotype as IgM, IgD, IgG, IgA, and IgE, respectively. IgG has several subclasses, including, but not limited to, IgG1, IgG2, IgG3, and IgG4. IgM has subclasses including, but not limited to, IgM1 and IgM2. IgA has subclasses including, but not limited to, IgA1 and IgA2. Within naturally-occurring light and heavy chains, typically, the variable and constant regions are typically joined by a “J” region of about 12 or more amino acids, with the heavy chain also typically including a “D” region of about 10 more amino acids. See, e.g., Fundamental immunology Ch. 7 (Paul, W., ed., 2nd ed. Raven Press, N.Y. (1989)).

In a naturally-occurring antibody, the variable regions typically exhibit the same general structure of relatively conserved framework regions (FR) joined by three hypervariable regions, also called complementarity determining regions or CDRs. The CDRs from the heavy and light chains of each pair typically are aligned by the framework regions, which may enable binding to a specific epitope. From N-terminal to C-terminal, both light and heavy chain variable regions typically comprise the domains FR1, CDR1, FR2, CDR2, FR3, CDR3, and FR4. The assignment of amino acids to each domain is typically in accordance with the definitions of Kabat Sequences of Proteins of Immunological Interest (National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Md. (1987 and 1991)), or Chothia & Lesk J. Mol. Biol. 196:901-917 (1987); Chothia et al. Nature 342:878-883 (1989).

As discussed above, there are several types of antibody fragments. A Fab fragment is comprised of one light chain and the C_(H)1 and variable regions of one heavy chain. The heavy chain of a Fab molecule cannot form a disulfide bond with another heavy chain molecule. A Fab′ fragment contains one light chain and one heavy chain that contains more of the constant region, between the C_(H)1 and C_(H)2 domains, such that an interchain disulfide bond can be formed between two heavy chains to form a F(ab′)2 molecule. A Facb fragment is similar to a F(ab′)2 molecule, except the constant region in the heavy chains of the molecule extends to the end of the CH2 domain.

An Fv fragment comprises the variable regions from both the heavy and light chains, but lacks the constant regions. A single-chain Fv (scFv) fragment comprises heavy and light chain variable regions connected by a flexible linker to form a single polypeptide chain which forms an antigen-binding region. Exemplary single chain antibodies are discussed in detail, e.g., in WO 88/01649 and U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,946,778 and 5,260,203.

A bivalent antibody is typically understood to have two identical antigen binding sites. However, a “bispecific” or “multispecific” or “bifunctional” or “multifunctional” antibody, in certain embodiments, is an artificial hybrid antibody having two different heavy/light chain pairs and two different antigen binding sites. Bispecific antibodies may be produced by a variety of methods including, but not limited to, fusion of hybridomas or linking of Fab′ fragments. See, e.g., Songsivilai & Lachmann Clin. Exp. Immunol. 79: 315-321 (1990), Kostelny et al. J. Immunol. 148:1547-1553 (1992).

The term “heavy chain” includes any heavy chain polypeptide having sufficient variable region sequence to confer specificity for a RANKL. In certain embodiments, a heavy chain comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 2. In certain embodiments, a heavy chain comprises a fragment of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 2 that includes at least one complementarity determining region (CDR) of SEQ ID NO: 2. In certain embodiments, a heavy chain comprises a fragment of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 2 that includes at least two complementarity determining regions (CDRs) of SEQ ID NO: 2. In certain embodiments, a heavy chain comprises a fragment of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 2 that includes at least three complementarity determining regions (CDRs) of SEQ ID NO: 2. In certain embodiments, a heavy chain comprises a fragment of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 2 that contains the heavy chain portion of an antigen binding site.

In certain embodiments, a heavy chain variable region comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 11. In certain embodiments, a heavy chain comprises a fragment of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 11 that includes at least one complementarity determining region (CDR) of SEQ ID NO: 11. In certain embodiments, a heavy chain comprises a fragment of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 11 that includes at least two complementarity determining regions (CDRs) of SEQ ID NO: 11. In certain embodiments, a heavy chain comprises a fragment of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 11 that includes at least three complementarity determining regions (CDRs) of SEQ ID NO: 11. In certain embodiments, a heavy chain comprises a fragment of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 11 that contains the heavy chain portion of an antigen binding site.

The term “light chain” includes any light chain polypeptide having sufficient variable region sequence to confer specificity for a RANKL. In certain embodiments, a light chain comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 4. In certain embodiments, a light chain comprises a fragment of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 4 that includes at least one complementarity determining region (CDR) of SEQ ID NO: 4. In certain embodiments, a light chain comprises a fragment of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 4 that includes at least two complementarity determining regions (CDRs) of SEQ ID NO: 4. In certain embodiments, a light chain comprises a fragment of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 4 that includes at least three complementarity determining regions (CDRs) of SEQ ID NO: 4. In certain embodiments, a light chain comprises a fragment of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 4 that contains the light chain portion of an antigen binding site.

In certain embodiments, a light chain variable region comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 12. In certain embodiments, a light chain comprises a fragment of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 12 that includes at least one complementarity determining region (CDR) of SEQ ID NO: 12. In certain embodiments, a light chain comprises a fragment of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 12 that includes at least two complementarity determining regions (CDRs) of SEQ ID NO: 12. In certain embodiments, a light chain comprises a fragment of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 12 that includes at least three complementarity determining regions (CDRs) of SEQ ID NO: 12. In certain embodiments, a light chain comprises a fragment of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 12 that contains the light chain portion of an antigen binding site.

An antibody substantially inhibits binding of RANKL to RANK when an excess of antibody reduces the quantity of RANKL bound to RANK by at least about 20%, 40%, 60%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, or more (as measured by an in vitro competitive binding assay known in the art).

The term “epitope” refers to a polypeptide determinant capable of specific binding to an antibody. In certain embodiments, epitope determinants include chemically active surface groupings of molecules such as amino acids, sugar side chains, phosphoryl, or sulfonyl, and, in certain embodiments, may have specific three dimensional structural characteristics, and/or specific charge characteristics. An epitope is a region of an antigen that is bound by an antibody. In certain embodiments, an antibody is said to specifically bind an antigen when it preferentially recognizes its target antigen in a complex mixture of polypeptides and/or macromolecules. In certain embodiments, an antibody is said to specifically bind an antigen when the dissociation constant is ≦1 μM, in certain embodiments, when the dissociation constant is ≦100 nM, and in certain embodiments, when the dissociation constant is ≦10 nM.

The term “polynucleotide” refers to a polymeric form of nucleotides of at least 3 bases in length. In certain embodiments, a polynucleotide comprises deoxyribonucleotides. In certain embodiments, a polynucleotide comprises ribonucleotides. In certain embodiments, a polynucleotide comprises one or more deoxyribonucleotides and one or more ribonucleotides. In certain embodiments, a polynucleotide comprises one or more modified deoxyribonucleotides and/or modified ribonucleotides. The term “polynucleotide” includes single and double stranded forms of nucleic acids. In certain embodiments, a polynucleotide comprises at least one label for detection.

The term “isolated polynucleotide” refers to a polynucleotide of genomic, cDNA, or synthetic origin or some combination thereof. An “isolated polynucleotide” is either (1) not associated with all or a portion of a polynucleotide in which the “isolated polynucleotide” is found in nature, (2) is linked to a polynucleotide which it is not linked to in nature, or (3) does not occur in nature as part of a larger sequence.

Unless specified otherwise, the left-hand end of single-stranded polynucleotide sequences is the 5′ end. Unless specified otherwise, the right-hand end of single-stranded polynucleotide sequences is the 3′ end. Unless specified otherwise, the left-hand direction of double-stranded polynucleotide sequences is referred to as the 5′ direction. Unless specified otherwise, the right-hand direction of double-stranded polynucleotide sequences is referred to as the 3′ direction. The direction of 5′ to 3′ addition of nascent RNA transcripts is referred to as the transcription direction. In certain embodiments, “upstream sequences” on a DNA strand refer to sequences that are 5′ of the polypeptide-encoding region of the DNA strand. In certain embodiments, “downstream sequences” on a DNA strand refer to sequences that are 3′ of the polypeptide-encoding region of the DNA strand.

In certain embodiments, a polynucleotide comprises one or more naturally occurring nucleotides. In certain embodiments, a polynucleotide comprises one or more non-naturally occurring nucleotides. In certain embodiments, a polynucleotide comprises one or more naturally occurring nucleotides and one or more non-naturally occurring nucleotides.

The term “naturally occurring nucleotides” refers to nucleotides that can be found free and/or in polynucleotides in nature. Naturally occurring nucleotides include, but are not limited to, deoxyribonucleotides and ribonucleotides. Deoxyribonucleotides include, but are not limited to, adenosine, guanine, cytosine, and thymidine. Ribonucleotides include, but are not limited to, adenosine, cytosine, thymidine, and uricil. The term “non-naturally occurring nucleotides” or “modified nucleotides” refers to nucleotides that are not found free or in polynucleotides in nature. Non-naturally occurring nucleotides and modified nucleotides include, but are not limited to, nucleotides with modified or substituted sugar groups and nucleotides with modified or substitute nucleotide base groups.

The terms “polynucleotide linkage” and “oligonucleotide linkage” are used interchangeably and refer to a chemical moiety that links a first nucleotide to a second nucleotide. Polynucleotide linkages include, but are not limited to, phosphorothioate, phosphorodithioate, phosphoroselenoate, phosphorodiselenoate, phosphoroanilothioate, phoshoraniladate, and phosphoroamidate. See, e.g., LaPlanche et al. Nucl. Acids Res. 14:9081 (1986); Stec et al. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 106:6077 (1984); Stein et al. Nucl. Acids Res. 16:3209 (1988); Zon at al. Anti-Cancer Drug Design 6:539 (1991); Zon et al. Oligonucleotides and Analogues: A Practical Approach, pp. 87-108 (F. Eckstein, Ed., Oxford University Press, Oxford England (1991)); Stec et al. U.S. Pat. No. 5,151,510; Uhlmann and Peyman Chemical Reviews 90:543 (1990).

In certain embodiments, a polynucleotide is produced synthetically. In certain embodiments, a polynucleotide is produced enzymatically. Such enzymatic production of polynucleotides may occur in vivo, such as, for example, in a cell; or may occur in vitro, such as, for example, in a polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Exemplary methods of producing polynucleotides synthetically and enzymatically are known in the art. Exemplary methods of linking two or more polynucleotides chemically or enzymatically (e.g., using a ligase) are also know in the art.

In certain embodiments, polynucleotides of the present invention may be mutated in such a way that the sequence of the encoded polypeptide is not changed. As a non-limiting example, the polynucleotide sequence may be changed to codons more compatible with the chosen host cell. For certain bacterial, mammalian, and insect host cells, in certain embodiments, optimized codons are known in the art. Additionally, as a non-limiting example, codons may be substituted to eliminate restriction sites or to include silent restriction sites, which may aid in stability, expression, or processing of the polynucleotide in the selected host cell.

The term “agent” refers to a chemical compound, a mixture of chemical compounds, a biological molecule, or an extract made from biological materials.

As used herein, the term “label” refers to any molecule that can be detected. In certain embodiments, a polypeptide may be labeled by incorporation of a radiolabeled amino acid. In certain embodiments, biotin moieties that can be detected by marked avidin or streptavidin (e.g., streptavidin containing a fluorescent marker or enzymatic activity that can be detected by optical or colorimetric methods) may be attached to the polypeptide. In certain embodiments, a label may be incorporated into or attached to another reagent which in turn binds to the polypeptide of interest. For example, a label may be incorporated into or attached to an antibody that in turn specifically binds the polypeptide of interest. In certain embodiments, the label or marker can also be therapeutic. Various methods of labeling polypeptides and glycoproteins are known in the art and may be used. Certain general classes of labels include, but are not limited to, enzymatic, fluorescent, chemiluminescent, and radioactive labels. Examples of labels for polypeptides include, but are not limited to, the following: radioisotopes or radionucleoides (e.g., ³H, ¹⁴C, ¹⁵N, ³⁵S, ⁹⁰Y, ⁹⁹Tc, ¹¹¹In, ¹²⁵I, ¹³¹I), fluorescent labels (e.g., fluorescein isothocyanate (FITC), rhodamine, lanthanide phosphors, phycoerythrin (PE)), enzymatic labels (e.g., horseradish peroxidase, β-galactosidase, luciferase, alkaline phosphatase, glucose oxidase, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, alcohol dehydrogenase, malate dehydrogenase, penicillinase, luciferase), chemiluminescent, biotinyl groups, predetermined polypeptide epitopes recognized by a secondary reporter (e.g., leucine zipper pair sequences, binding sites for secondary antibodies, metal binding domains, epitope tags). In certain embodiments, labels are attached by spacer arms of various lengths to reduce potential steric hindrance.

As used herein, the term “vehicle” refers to a molecule that has one or more properties selected from: reduces degradation of another molecule; increases the half-life of another molecule; reduces toxicity of another molecule; reduces immunogenicity of another molecule; and increases the biological activity of another molecule. Exemplary vehicles include, but are not limited to, an Fc domain, a linear polymer (including, but not limited to, polyethylene glycol (PEG), polylysine, and dextran), a branched-chain polymer (see, for example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,289,872; 5,229,490; and PCT Publication No. WO 93/21259), a lipid, a cholesterol group (such as a steroid), a carbohydrate or oligosaccharide, human serum albumin (HSA) and related molecules, transtheratin (TTR) and related molecules, and any natural or synthetic protein, polypeptide or peptide that binds to a salvage receptor. Certain exemplary vehicles are known in the art and/or are discussed herein.

The term “biological sample” includes, but is not limited to, any quantity of a substance from a living thing or formerly living thing. Such living things include, but are not limited to, humans, mice, monkeys, rats, rabbits, and other animals. Such substances include, but are not limited to, blood, serum, urine, cells, organs, tissues, bone, bone marrow, lymph nodes, and skin.

The term “osteopenic disorder” refers to a condition which is characterized at least in part by an increase in bone resorption and/or a loss of bone mass or bone density. The term “osteopenic disorder” includes, but is not limited to, osteoporosis, osteopenia, Paget's disease, osteomyelitis, hypercalcemia, osteonecrosis, hyperparathyroidism, lytic bone metastases, periodontitis, rheumatoid arthritis, cachexia and anorexia, alopecia, and bone loss due to immobilization. The term “osteopenic disorder” also includes, but is not limited to, cancers that increase osteoclast activity, induce bone resorption, and/or result in a loss of bone mass or bone density, including, but not limited to, breast, prostate, and multiple myeloma, including certain cancers known to produce factors that result in over-expression of RANKL in the bone, and certain cancers that lead to increased osteoclast numbers and activity. The term “osteopenic disorder” also includes inflammatory or autoimmune disorders which are characterized at least in part by an increase in bone resorption and/or a loss of bone mass or bone density and includes, but is not limited to, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, psoriasis, and inflammatory bowel disease.

The terms “pharmaceutical agent,” “drug,” or “therapeutic agent” as used herein refer to a chemical compound or composition capable of inducing a desired therapeutic effect when properly administered to a patient.

The term “modulator” refers to a compound that changes or alters the activity or function of a molecule. For example, a modulator may cause an increase or decrease in the magnitude of a certain activity or function of a molecule compared to the magnitude of the activity or function observed in the absence of the modulator. In certain embodiments, a modulator is an inhibitor, which decreases the magnitude of at least one activity or function of a molecule. Certain exemplary activities and functions of a molecule include, but are not limited to, binding affinity, enzymatic activity, and signal transduction. Certain exemplary inhibitors include, but are not limited to, polypeptides, peptides, antibodies, peptibodies, carbohydrates and small organic molecules. Peptibodies are described, e.g., in WO01/83525.

As used herein, “substantially pure” means an object species is the predominant species present (i.e., on a molar basis it is more abundant than any other individual species in the composition). In certain embodiments, a substantially purified fraction is a composition wherein the object species comprises at least about 50 percent (on a molar basis) of all macromolecular species present. In certain embodiments, a substantially pure composition will comprise more than about 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, or 99% of all macromolecular species present in the composition. In certain embodiments, the object species is purified to essential homogeneity (contaminant species cannot be detected in the composition by conventional detection methods) wherein the composition consists essentially of a single macromolecular species.

The term “patient” includes human and non-human subjects. In certain embodiments, a patient is a human or non-human subject that has low bone mass and/or is at risk for developing low bone mass and/or is experiencing one or more medical conditions that may increase the risk of loss of bone mass (e.g., cancer, an inflammatory disorder, an autoimmune disease). In certain embodiments, a patient with low bone mass will have a T-score of less than −1. A T-score is a measure of a patient's bone mineral density (BMD) in terms of standard deviations (SD) from the healthy young adult mean. Thus, in certain embodiments, a patient with low bone mass has a BMD that is more than 1 SD below the mean. In certain embodiments, a patient is a human or non-human subject that has weakened or structurally compromised bone, and/or that is at risk for developing weakened or structurally compromised bone. In certain embodiments, a patient is a human or non-human subject that has suffered a fracture and/or is identified as being at greater than normal risk for fractures

Detailed Description of Certain Embodiments RANKL Antibodies

Certain antibodies to receptor activator of NF-κB ligand (RANKL; also called osteoprotegerin ligand, or OPGL) are described, e.g., in U.S. Patent Publication No. U.S. 2004/0033535 A1 and in PCT Publication No. WO 2003/002713 A3.

In certain embodiments, fully human monoclonal antibodies against human RANKL are provided. In certain embodiments, polynucleotide sequences encoding heavy and/or light chain immunoglobulin molecules, particularly sequences encoding the heavy and/or light chain variable regions, are provided. In certain embodiments, polynucleotide sequences encoding one or more heavy and/or light chain complementarity determining regions (CDR's), particularly from CDR1 through CDR3, are provided. In certain embodiments, polypeptide sequences corresponding to heavy and/or light chain immunoglobulin molecules, particularly polypeptide sequences corresponding to the heavy and/or light chain variable regions, are provided. In certain embodiments, polypeptide sequences corresponding to one or more heavy and/or light chain complementarity determining regions (CDR's), particularly from CDR1 through CDR3, are provided. According to certain embodiments, a hybridoma cell line expressing a fully human monoclonal antibody against human RANKL is also provided. In certain embodiments, a purified fully human monoclonal antibody against human RANKL is provided.

In certain embodiments, an antibody comprises one or more constant regions from species other than human and one or more human variable regions. In certain embodiments, an antibody comprises one or more human complementarity determining regions (CDRs) and one or more framework regions and/or constant regions from species other than human. Such antibodies are referred to as “chimeric” antibodies. In certain embodiments, a RANKL antibody is a chimeric antibody. In certain embodiments, a RANKL antibody is a Fab fragment, a Fab′ fragment, a F(ab′)₂ fragment, an Fv fragment, or a single-chain Fv fragment.

Preparation of RANKL Antibodies

According to certain embodiments, antibodies that specifically bind RANKL are provided. In certain embodiments, antibodies may be produced by immunization with full-length RANKL, soluble forms of RANKL, or a fragment thereof. In certain embodiments, antibodies may be polyclonal or monoclonal, and/or may be recombinant antibodies. In certain embodiments, antibodies are human antibodies prepared, for example, by immunization of transgenic animals capable of producing human antibodies (see, for example, PCT Published Application No. WO 93/12227.).

In certain embodiments, the complementarity determining regions (CDRs) of the light and/or heavy chain variable regions of a RANKL antibody may be grafted to framework regions (FRs) from the same, or another, species. In certain embodiments, the CDRs of the light and/or heavy chain variable regions of a RANKL antibody may be grafted to consensus human FRs. To create consensus human FRs, in certain embodiments, FRs from several human heavy chain or light chain amino acid sequences are aligned to identify a consensus amino acid sequence. In certain embodiments, the FRs of a RANKL antibody heavy chain and/or light chain are replaced with the FRs from a different heavy chain and/or light chain. In certain embodiments, rare amino acids in the FRs of the heavy and light chains of a RANKL antibody are not replaced, while the rest of the FR amino acids are replaced. Rare amino acids are specific amino acids that are in positions in which they are not usually found in FRs. In certain embodiments, the grafted variable regions from a RANKL antibody may be used with a constant region that is different from the constant region of the RANKL antibody. In certain embodiments, the grafted variable regions are part of a single chain Fv antibody. Exemplary CDR grafting is described, e.g., in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,180,370, 5,693,762, 5,693,761, 5,585,089, and 5,530,101.

According to certain embodiments, a RANKL antibody is prepared through the utilization of a transgenic mouse that has a substantial portion of the human antibody producing genome inserted but that is rendered deficient in the production of endogenous, murine, antibodies. Such mice, then, are capable of producing human immunoglobulin molecules and antibodies and are deficient in the production of murine immunoglobulin molecules and antibodies. Certain exemplary technologies utilized for achieving this result are disclosed in patents, applications, and documents disclosed in the specification, herein. In certain embodiments, one may employ methods such as those disclosed in PCT Published Application No. WO 98/24893. See also Mendez et al. Nature Genetics 15:146-156 (1997).

According to certain embodiments, fully human monoclonal RANKL antibodies are produced as follows. Transgenic mice containing human immunoglobulin genes are immunized with the antigen of interest (in this case, RANKL or a portion thereof). Lymphatic cells (such as B-cells) from the mice that express antibodies are obtained. Such recovered cells are fused with a myeloid-type cell line to prepare immortal hybridoma cell lines, and such hybridoma cell lines are screened and selected to identify hybridoma cell lines that produce antibodies specific to the antigen of interest. In certain embodiments, the production of a hybridoma cell line that produces RANKL antibodies is provided.

Exemplary RANKL antibodies are produced by certain hybridoma lines, including but not limited to, AMG 6.1, AMG 6.4, AMG 6.5, AMG 7.1, and AMG 7.2, which are described, e.g., in U.S. Patent Publication No. U.S. 2004/0033535 A1 and in PCT Publication No. WO 2003/002713 A3. In certain embodiments, RANKL antibodies are produced by at least one hybridoma line selected from AMG 6.1, AMG 6.4, and AMG 6.5. In certain embodiments, RANKL antibodies bind to RANKL with a dissociation constant (Kd) of between approximately 0.23 and 0.29 nM, including all points between those endpoints. In certain embodiments, RANKL antibodies bind to RANKL with a Kd of less than 0.23 nM.

In certain embodiments, a RANKL antibody is of the IgG2 isotype. In certain embodiments, a RANKL antibody comprises a human kappa light chain and a human IgG2 heavy chain. In certain embodiments, a RANKL antibody has been cloned for expression in mammalian cells. In certain embodiments, a variable region of a RANKL antibody is ligated to a constant region other than the constant region for the IgG2 isotype. Certain exemplary methods of cloning antibody sequences are known in the art. Certain exemplary methods of cloning a RANKL antibody are described, e.g., in U.S. Patent Publication No. U.S. 2004/0033535 A1 and in PCT Publication No. WO 2003/002713 A3.

In certain embodiments, a RANKL antibody is αRANKL-1 (also called αOPGL-1; see, e.g., U.S. Patent Publication No. U.S. 2004/0033535 A1 and PCT Publication No. WO 2003/002713 A3). The heavy chain of αRANKL-1 has the amino acid sequence shown in FIG. 2 (SEQ ID NO: 2) and can be encoded by the nucleotide sequence of FIG. 1 (SEQ ID NO: 1). The heavy chain variable region of αRANKL-1 has the amino acid sequence shown in FIG. 28 (SEQ ID NO: 11). The light chain of αRANKL-1 has the amino acid sequence shown in FIG. 4 (SEQ ID NO: 4) and can be encoded by the nucleotide sequence of FIG. 3 (SEQ ID NO: 3). The light chain variable region of αRANKL-1 has the amino acid sequence shown in FIG. 29 (SEQ ID NO: 12).

In certain embodiments, one or more conservative modifications to the heavy and light chains of αRANKL-1 (and corresponding modifications to the encoding nucleotides) will produce RANKL antibodies having functional and chemical characteristics similar to those of αRANKL-1. In certain embodiments, if alteration of the functional and/or chemical characteristics of αRANKL-1 is desired, non-conservative substitutions can be made in the heavy and/or light chain sequence. In certain embodiments, such non-conservative substitutions can be made by selecting, e.g., one or more replacement amino acids that differ from the replaced amino acids in their effect on maintaining (a) the structure of the peptide backbone in the area of the substitution, for example, as a sheet or helical conformation, (b) the charge or hydrophobicity of the molecule at the substitution site, and/or (c) the size of the molecule at the substitution site.

In certain embodiments, desired amino acid substitutions (whether conservative or non-conservative) can be determined by those skilled in the art at the time such substitutions are desired. In certain embodiments, amino acid substitutions can be used to identify important residues of αRANKL-1. In certain embodiments, amino acid substitutions can be used to increase or decrease the affinity of the RANKL antibodies.

In certain embodiments, antibodies are expressed in cell lines other than hybridoma cell lines. In certain embodiments, sequences encoding particular antibodies can be used for transformation of a suitable mammalian host cell. According to certain embodiments, transformation can be by any known method for introducing polynucleotides into a host cell. Exemplary transformation includes, but is not limited to, packaging the polynucleotide in a virus (or into a viral vector) and transducing a host cell with the virus (or vector); and transfection procedures known in the art, as exemplified, e.g., in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,399,216; 4,912,040; 4,740,461; and 4,959,455. In certain embodiments, the transformation procedure used depends upon the host to be transformed. Certain exemplary methods for introduction of heterologous polynucleotides into mammalian cells are known in the art and include, but are not limited to, dextran-mediated transfection, calcium phosphate precipitation, polybrene mediated transfection, protoplast fusion, electroporation, encapsulation of the polynucleotide(s) in liposomes, and direct microinjection of the DNA into nuclei.

Certain exemplary mammalian cell lines available as hosts for expression are known in the art and include, but are not limited to, many immortalized cell lines available from the American Type Culture Collection (ATCC), including but not limited to, Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells, HeLa cells, baby hamster kidney (BHK) cells, monkey kidney cells (COS), human hepatocellular carcinoma cells (e.g., Hep G2), and a number of other cell lines. In certain embodiments, cell lines may be selected by determining which cell lines show high expression levels and produce antibodies with acceptable RANKL binding properties.

PTH/PTHrP Peptides

A PTH/PTHrP peptide comprises a PTH/PTHrP modulating domain. In certain embodiments, a PTH/PTHrP peptide comprises a PTH/PTHrP modulating domain and a prepro domain. In certain embodiments, a PTH/PTHrP peptide comprises a PTH/PTHrP modulating domain and a portion of a prepro domain.

In certain embodiments, a PTH/PTHrP modulating domain is able to interact with a PTH-1 receptor. In certain embodiments, a PTH/PTHrP modulating domain is able to interact with a PTH-2 receptor. In certain embodiments, a PTH/PTHrP modulating domain is able to interact with both a PTH-1 receptor and a PTH-2 receptor. Certain exemplary PTH/PTHrP modulating domains are described, e.g., in U.S. Patent Publication No. 2003/0039654 and in PCT Publication No. WO 01/81415. Certain exemplary PTH and PTHrP modulating domains are shown in Tables 1A, 1B, and 2. In certain embodiments, a PTH/PTHrP peptide comprises a PTH/PTHrP modulating domain and does not comprise a functional prepro domain.

In certain embodiments, when a PTH/PTHrP peptide comprising a prepro domain is expressed in a cell, the prepro domain is cleaved from the PTH/PTHrP peptide during processing to form a mature PTH/PTHrP peptide. In certain embodiments, when a PTH/PTHrP peptide comprising a portion of a prepro domain is expressed in a cell, the portion of a prepro domain is cleaved from the PTH/PTHrP peptide during processing to form a mature PTH/PTHrP peptide. In certain embodiments, a portion of the prepro domain is cleaved from the PTH/PTHrP peptide during processing, to form a pro PTH/PTHrP peptide intermediate. In certain embodiments, the pro PTH/PTHrP peptide intermediate is further processed to form a mature PTH/PTHrP peptide.

In certain embodiments, additional exemplary PTH/PTHrP peptides may be created by randomizing a reference PTH/PTHrP peptide and selecting for PTH/PTHrP peptides having desired activity. Certain information about PTH and PTHrP can found, e.g., in Mannstadt et al. (1999), Am. J. Physiol. 277. 5Pt 2: F665-75; and Gardella (1996), J. Biol. Chem. 271 (33): 19888-93.

In various embodiments, a RANKL antibody-PTH/PTHrP chimeric molecule may comprise one or more of the following PTH/PTHrP peptides linked to one or more RANKL antibodies. In various embodiments, a RANKL antibody-PTH/PTHrP chimeric molecule may comprise any other peptides having PTH and/or PTHrP activity linked to one or more RANKL antibodies. In certain embodiments, a PTH/PTHrP peptide may comprise part of the sequence of a naturally occurring PTH or PTHrP. In certain embodiments, a peptide may comprise one or more randomized sequences. In certain embodiments, a PTH/PTHrP peptide having a desired activity may be selected from a pool of peptides having one or more randomized sequences using phage display and/or RNA-peptide screening. In certain embodiments, one skilled in the art can carry out phage display and/or RNA-peptide screening to select a peptide having a desired activity.

Certain Exemplary PTH/PTHrP Modulating Domains

Certain exemplary PTH/PTHrP modulating domains are selected from polypeptides of formula I:

(Formula I; SEQ ID NO: 13) X^(N)X⁸HX¹⁰X¹¹X¹²KX¹⁴X¹⁵X¹⁶X¹⁷X¹⁸X¹⁹RX²¹X²²X²³X²⁴X²⁵X²⁶X²⁷X²⁸X^(C) wherein:

-   -   X^(N) is absent or is X³X⁴X⁵X⁶X⁷, X²X³X⁴X⁵X⁶X⁷, X¹X²X³X⁴X⁵X⁶X⁷,         or YX¹X²X³X⁴X⁵X⁶X⁷;     -   X¹ is an amino acid residue. In certain embodiments, X¹ is a         nonfunctional residue, a hydrophilic residue, or an aromatic         residue. In certain embodiments, X¹ is A, S or Y;     -   X² is an amino acid residue. In certain embodiments, X² is a         nonfunctional residue. In certain embodiments, X² is V;     -   X³ is an amino acid residue. In certain embodiments, X³ is a         hydrophilic residue. In certain embodiments, X³ is S;     -   X⁴ is an amino acid residue. In certain embodiments, X⁴ is an         acidic residue. In certain embodiments, X⁴ is E;     -   X⁵ is an amino acid residue. In certain embodiments, X⁵ is a         nonfunctional residue or a basic residue. In certain         embodiments, X⁵ is H or I;     -   X⁶ is an amino acid residue. In certain embodiments, X⁶ is an         acidic residue or a hydrophilic residue. In certain embodiments,         X⁶ is Q or E;     -   X⁷ is an amino acid residue. In certain embodiments, X⁷ is a         nonfunctional residue or an aromatic residue. In certain         embodiments, X⁷ is L or F;     -   X⁸ is an amino acid residue. In certain embodiments, X⁸ is a         nonfunctional residue. In certain embodiments, X⁸ is M or Nle;     -   X¹⁰ is an amino acid residue. In certain embodiments, X¹⁰ is an         acidic residue or a hydrophilic residue. In certain embodiments,         X¹⁰ is N or D;     -   X¹¹ is an amino acid residue. In certain embodiments, X¹¹ is a         nonfunctional residue or a basic residue. In certain         embodiments, X¹¹ is L, R, or K;     -   X¹² is an amino acid residue. In certain embodiments, X¹² is a         nonfunctional residue or an aromatic residue. In certain         embodiments, X¹² is G, F, or W;     -   X¹⁴ is an amino acid residue. In certain embodiments, X¹⁴ is a         basic residue or a hydrophilic residue. In certain embodiments,         X¹⁴ is H or S;     -   X¹⁵ is an amino acid residue. In certain embodiments, X¹⁵ is a         nonfunctional residue. In certain embodiments, X¹⁵ is L or I;     -   X¹⁶ is an amino acid residue. In certain embodiments, X¹⁶ is a         nonfunctional residue or a hydrophilic residue. In certain         embodiments, X¹⁶ is Q, N, S, or A;     -   X¹⁷ is an amino acid residue. In certain embodiments, X¹⁷ is an         acidic residue, a hydrophilic residue or a nonfunctional         residue. In certain embodiments, X¹⁷ is S, D, or L;     -   X¹⁸ is an amino acid residue. In certain embodiments, X¹⁸ is a         nonfunctional residue. In certain embodiments, X¹⁸ is M, L, V or         Nle;     -   X¹⁹ is an amino acid residue. In certain embodiments, X¹⁹ is an         acidic residue or a basic residue. In certain embodiments, X¹⁹         is E or R;     -   X²¹ is an amino acid residue. In certain embodiments, X²¹ is a         nonfunctional residue or basic residue. In certain embodiments,         X²¹ is V, M, R, or Nle;     -   X²² is an amino acid residue. In certain embodiments, X²² is a         hydrophilic residue, an acidic residue, or an aromatic residue.         In certain embodiments, X²² is E or F;     -   X²³ is an amino acid residue. In certain embodiments, X²³ is an         aromatic residue or lipophilic residue. In certain embodiments,         X²³ is W or F;     -   X²⁴ is an amino acid residue. In certain embodiments, X²⁴ is a         lipophilic residue. In certain embodiments, X²⁴ is L;     -   X²⁵ is an amino acid residue. In certain embodiments, X²⁵ is a         hydrophilic residue or a basic residue. In certain embodiments,         X²⁵ is R or H;     -   X²⁶ is an amino acid residue. In certain embodiments, X²⁶ is a         hydrophilic residue or a basic residue. In certain embodiments,         X²⁶ is K or H;     -   X²⁷ is an amino acid residue. In certain embodiments, X²⁷ is a         lipophilic residue, a basic residue, or a nonfunctional residue.         In certain embodiments, X²⁷ is K or L;     -   X²⁸ is an amino acid residue. In certain embodiments, X²⁸ is a         lipophilic residue or a nonfunctional residue. In certain         embodiments, X²⁸ is L or I;     -   X^(C) is an amino acid residue. In certain embodiments, X^(C) is         absent. In certain embodiments, X^(C) is X²⁹, X²⁹X³⁰, X²⁹X³⁰X³¹,         X²⁹X³⁰X³¹X³², X²⁹X³⁰X³¹X³²X³³, X²⁹X³⁰X³¹X³²X³³X³⁴,         X²⁹X³⁰X³¹X³²X³³X³⁴X³⁵, or X²⁹X³⁰X³¹X³²X³³X³⁴X³⁵X³⁶;     -   X²⁹ is an amino acid residue. In certain embodiments, X²⁹ is a         hydrophilic residue or a nonfunctional residue. In certain         embodiments, X²⁹ is Q or A;     -   X³⁰ is an amino acid residue. In certain embodiments, X³⁰ is a         hydrophilic residue or an acidic residue. In certain         embodiments, X³⁰ is D or E;     -   X³¹ is an amino acid residue. In certain embodiments, X³¹ is a         lipophilic residue or a nonfunctional residue. In certain         embodiments, X³¹ is V or I;     -   X³² is an amino acid residue. In certain embodiments, X³² is a         basic residue. In certain embodiments, X³² is H;     -   X³³ is an amino acid residue. In certain embodiments, X³³ is a         hydrophilic residue. In certain embodiments, X³³ is N or T;     -   X³⁴ is an amino acid residue. In certain embodiments, X³⁴ is a         nonfunctional residue or an aromatic residue. In certain         embodiments, X³⁴ is A, F or Y;     -   X³⁵ is an amino acid residue. In certain embodiments, X³⁵ is an         acidic residue. In certain embodiments, X³⁵ is E;     -   X³⁶ is an amino acid residue. In certain embodiments, X³⁶ is an         aromatic residue. In certain embodiments, X³⁶ is Y;         In certain embodiments, one or more of X¹⁴ through X³⁶ is a         cysteine residue.

Certain exemplary PTH/PTHrP modulating domains selected from polypeptides of formula I (SEQ ID NO: 13) are shown in Tables 1A and 1B.

Certain exemplary PTH/PTHrP modulating domains are selected from polypeptides of formula II:

(Formula II; SEQ ID NO: 14) J^(N)J⁷J⁸HNLJ¹²KHLJ¹⁶SJ¹⁸J¹⁹RJ²¹EWLRKKLJ^(C) wherein:

-   -   In certain embodiments, J^(N) is absent. In certain embodiments,         J^(N) is J¹J²J³J⁴J⁵J⁶, J²J³J⁴J⁵J⁶, J³J⁴J⁵J⁶;     -   J¹ is an amino acid residue. In certain embodiments, J¹ is a         nonfunctional residue, a hydrophilic residue, or an aromatic         residue. In certain embodiments, J¹ is A, S or Y;     -   J² is an amino acid residue. In certain embodiments, J² is a         nonfunctional residue. In certain embodiments, J² is V;     -   J³ is an amino acid residue. In certain embodiments, J³ is a         hydrophilic residue. In certain embodiments, J³ is S;     -   J⁴ is an amino acid residue. In certain embodiments, J⁴ is an         acidic residue. In certain embodiments, J⁴ is E;     -   J⁵ is an amino acid residue. In certain embodiments, J⁵ is a         nonfunctional residue. In certain embodiments, J⁵ is I;     -   J⁶ is an amino acid residue. In certain embodiments, J⁶ is a         basic residue. In certain embodiments, J⁶ is Q;     -   J⁷ is an amino acid residue. In certain embodiments, J⁷ is a         nonfunctional residue or an aromatic residue. In certain         embodiments, J⁷ is L or F;     -   J⁸ is an amino acid residue. In certain embodiments, J⁸ is a         nonfunctional residue. In certain embodiments, J⁸ is M or Nle;     -   J¹² is an amino acid residue. In certain embodiments, J¹² is a         nonfunctional residue or an aromatic residue. In certain         embodiments, J¹² is G or W;     -   J¹⁶ is an amino acid residue. In certain embodiments, J¹⁶ is a         nonfunctional residue or a hydrophilic residue. In certain         embodiments, J¹⁶ is N, S, or A;     -   J¹⁸ is an amino acid residue. In certain embodiments, J¹⁸ is a         nonfunctional residue. In certain embodiments, J¹⁸ is M, Nle, L,         or V;     -   J¹⁹ is an amino acid residue. In certain embodiments, J¹⁹ is an         acidic residue or a basic residue. In certain embodiments, J¹⁹         is E or R;     -   J²¹ is an amino acid residue. In certain embodiments, J²¹ is a         nonfunctional residue. In certain embodiments, J²¹ is V, M, or         Nle;     -   In certain embodiments, J^(C) is absent. In certain embodiments,         J^(C) is J²⁹, J²⁹J³⁰, J²⁹J³⁰J³¹, J²⁹J³⁰J³¹J³², J²⁹J³⁰J³¹J³²J³³,         or J²⁹J³⁰J³¹J³²J³³J³⁴;     -   J²⁹ is an amino acid residue. In certain embodiments, J²⁹ is a         hydrophilic residue or a nonfunctional residue. In certain         embodiments, J²⁹ is Q or A;     -   J³⁰ is an amino acid residue. In certain embodiments, J³⁰ is a         hydrophilic residue or an acidic residue. In certain         embodiments, J³⁰ is D or E;     -   J³¹ is an amino acid residue. In certain embodiments, J³¹ is a         lipophilic residue or a nonfunctional residue. In certain         embodiments, J³¹ is V or I;     -   J³² is an amino acid residue. In certain embodiments, J³² is a         basic residue. In certain embodiments, J³² is H;     -   J³³ is an amino acid residue. In certain embodiments, J³³ is an         acidic residue. In certain embodiments, J³³ is N;     -   J³⁴ is an amino acid residue. In certain embodiments, J³⁴ is an         aromatic residue. In certain embodiments, J³⁴ is F or Y;         In certain embodiments, one or more of J¹⁴ through the         C-terminal residue of a polypeptide of formula II is a cysteine         residue.

Certain exemplary PTH/PTHrP modulating domains selected from polypeptides of formula II (SEQ ID NO: 14) are shown in Tables 1A and 1B below.

Certain exemplary PTH/PTHrP modulating domains are selected from polypeptides of formula III:

(Formula III; SEQ ID NO: 15) O^(N)LHO¹⁰O¹¹O¹²KSIO¹⁵O¹⁶LRRRFO²³LHHLIO^(C) wherein:

-   -   In certain embodiments, O^(N) is absent. In certain embodiments,         O^(N) is YO¹O²O³O⁴O⁵O⁶O⁷, O¹O²O³O⁴O⁵O⁶O⁷, O²O³O⁴O⁵O⁶O⁷,         O³O⁴O⁵O⁶O⁷, O⁴O⁵O⁶O⁷, O⁵O⁶O⁷, O⁶O⁷, or O⁷;     -   O¹ is an amino acid residue. In certain embodiments, O¹ is a         nonfunctional residue. In certain embodiments, O¹ is A;     -   O² is an amino acid residue. In certain embodiments, O² is a         nonfunctional residue. In certain embodiments, O² is V;     -   O³ is an amino acid residue. In certain embodiments, O³ is a         hydrophilic residue. In certain embodiments, O³ is S;     -   O⁴ is an amino acid residue. In certain embodiments, O⁴ is an         acidic residue. In certain embodiments, O⁴ is E;     -   O⁵ is an amino acid residue. In certain embodiments, O⁵ is a         basic residue or a nonfunctional residue. In certain         embodiments, O⁵ is H or I;     -   O⁶ is an amino acid residue. In certain embodiments, O⁶ is a         hydrophilic residue. In certain embodiments, O⁶ is Q;     -   O⁷ is an amino acid residue. In certain embodiments, O⁷ is a         nonfunctional residue. In certain embodiments, O⁷ is L;     -   O¹⁰ is an amino acid residue. In certain embodiments, O¹⁰ is an         acidic residue or a hydrophilic residue. In certain embodiments,         O¹⁰ is N or D;     -   O¹¹ is an amino acid residue. In certain embodiments, O¹¹ is a         basic residue or a nonfunctional residue. In certain         embodiments, O¹¹ is K or L;     -   O¹² is an amino acid residue. In certain embodiments, O¹² is an         aromatic residue or a nonfunctional residue. In certain         embodiments, O¹² is G, F, or W;     -   O¹⁵ is an amino acid residue. In certain embodiments, O¹⁵ is a         hydrophilic residue or a nonfunctional residue. In certain         embodiments, O¹⁵ is I or S;     -   O¹⁶ is an amino acid residue. In certain embodiments, O¹⁶ is a         hydrophilic residue. In certain embodiments, O¹⁶ is Q or N;     -   O¹⁷ is an amino acid residue. In certain embodiments, O¹⁷ is an         acidic residue or a nonfunctional residue. In certain         embodiments, O¹⁷ is D or L;     -   O²³ is an amino acid residue. In certain embodiments, O²³ is an         aromatic residue. In certain embodiments, O²³ is F or W;     -   In certain embodiments, O^(C) is absent. In certain embodiments,         O^(C) is O²⁹, O²⁹O³⁰, O²⁹O³⁰O³¹, O²⁹O³⁰O³¹O³², O²⁹O³⁰O³¹O³²O³³,         O²⁹O³⁰O³¹O³²O³³O³⁴, O²⁹O³⁰O³¹O³²O³³O³⁴O³⁵, or         O²⁹O³⁰O³¹O³²O³³O³⁴O³⁵O³⁶; wherein O²⁹ through O³⁶ are each         independently selected amino acid residues;         In certain embodiments, one or more of O¹⁴ through the         C-terminal residue of a polypeptide of formula III is a cysteine         residue.

Certain exemplary PTH/PTHrP modulating domains selected from polypeptides of formula III (SEQ ID NO: 15) are shown in Table 2 below.

Certain exemplary PTH/PTHrP modulating domain sequences are shown in Tables 1A, 1B and 2 below.

TABLE 1A Exemplary PTH/PTHrP modulating domains based on naturally-occurring PTH polypeptides SEQ ID Description Sequence NO: human PTH(1-84)¹ SVSEIQLMHNLGKHLNSMERVEWLRKKLQDVHNFV 16 ALGAPLAPRDAGSQRPRKKEDNVLVESHEKSLGEA DKADVNVLTKAKSQ rat PTH(1-84)² AVSEIQLMHNLGKHLASVERMQWLRKKLQDVHNFV 17 SLGVQMAAREGSYQRPTKKEDNVLVDGNSKSLGEG DKADVDVLVKAKSQ human PTH³(7-84) LMHNLGKHLNSMERVEWLRKKLQDVHNFVALGAPL 18 APRDAGSQRPRKKEDNVLVESHEKSLGEADKADVN VLTKAKSQ human PTH(1-44)³ SVSEIQLMHNLGKHLNSMERVEWLRKKLQDVHNFV 19 ALGAPLAPR human PTH(1-38)³ SVSEIQLMHNLGKHLNSMERVEWLRKKLQDVHNFV 20 ALG human PTH(2-38)³ VSEIQLMHNLGKHLNSMERVEWLRKKLQDVHNFVA 21 LG human PTH(1-34)⁴ SVSEIQLMHNLGKHLNSMERVEWLRKKLQDVHNF 22 [Arg11]human SVSEIQLMHNRGKHLNSMERVEWLRKKLQDVHNF 23 PTH(1-34) [Lys11] human SVSEIQLMHNKGKHLNSMERVEWLRKKLQDVHNF 24 PTH(1-34) [Arg19] human SVSEIQLMHNLGKHLNSMRRVEWLRKKLQDVHNF 25 PTH(1-34) [Tyr1] human PTH YVSEIQLMHNLGKHLNSMERVEWLRKKLQDVHNF 26 (1-34)³ [Leu(8, 18), Tyr34] SVSEIQLLHNLGKHLNSLERVEWLRKKLQDVHNY 27 human PTH(1-34)³ bovine PTH(1-34)⁵ AVSEIQFMHNLGKHLSSMERVEWLRKKLQDVHNF 28 [Leu(8, 18), Tyr34] AVSEIQFLHNLGKHLSSLERVEWLRKKLQDVHNY 29 bovine PTH (1-34)⁶ porcine PTH (1-34)³ SVSEIQLMHNLGKHLSSLERVEWLRKKLQDVHNF 30 rat PTH (1-34)³ AVSEIQLMHNLGKHLASVERMQWLRKKLQDVHNF 31 [Leu (8, 21), Tyr34] AVSEIQLLHNLGKHLASVERLQWLRKKLQDVHNY 32 rat PTH (1-34)³ human PTH(1-31)⁷ SVSEIQLMHNLGKHLNSMERVEWLRKKLQDV 33 [Leu27] human SVSEIQLMHNLGKHLNSMERVEWLRKLLQDV 34 PTH(1-31)⁸ [Leu(8, 18) Tyr34] SEIQLLHNLGKHLNSLERVEWLRKKLQDVHNY 35 PTH(3-34)⁹ bovine PTH(3-34)¹⁰ SEIQFMHNLGKHLSSMERVEWLRKKLQDVHNF 36 [Leu(8, 18), Tyr34] SEIQFLHNLGKHLSSLERVEWLRKKLQDVHNY 37 bovine PTH(3-34)¹¹ human PTH(7-34)¹² LMHNLGKHLNSMERVEWLRKKLQDVHNF 38 [Leu(8, 18) Tyr34] LLHNLGKHLNSLERVEWLRKKLQDVHNY 39 human PTH(7-34)⁹ bovine PTH(7-34)¹³ FMHNLGKHLSSMERVEWLRKKLQDVHNF 40 [Tyr34] bovine FMHNLGKHLSSMERVEWLRKKLQDVHNY 41 PTH(7-34)¹⁴ [Leu(8, 18), Tyr34] FLHNLGKHLSSLERVEWLRKKLQDVHNY 42 bovine PTH(7-34)¹⁵ [Leu(8, 18), Trp12, FLHNLWKHLSSLERVEWLRKKLQDVHNY 43 Tyr34] bovine PTH(7-34)¹⁶ [D-Trp12, Tyr34] FMHNL-D-Trp-KHLSSMERVEWLRKKLQDVHNY 44 bovine PTH(7-34)¹⁷ human PTH (1-30) SVSEIQLMHNLGKHLNSMERVEWLRKKLQD 45 [Arg11] human SVSEIQLMHNRGKHLNSMERVEWLRKKLQD 46 PTH(1-30) [Lys11] human SVSEIQLMHNKGKHLNSMERVEWLRKKLQD 47 PTH(1-30) [Arg19] human SVSEIQLMHNLGKHLNSMRRVEWLRKKLQD 48 PTH(1-30) [Tyr1] human YVSEIQLMHNLGKHLNSMERVEWLRKKLQD 49 PTH(1-30) [Leu(8, 18)] human SVSEIQLLHNLGKHLNSLERVEWLRKKLQD 50 PTH(1-30) bovine PTH(1-30) AVSEIQFMHNLGKHLSSMERVEWLRKKLQD 51 [Leu(8, 18)] bovine AVSEIQFLHNLGKHLSSLERVEWLRKKLQD 52 PTH (1-30) porcine PTH(1-30) SVSEIQLMHNLGKHLSSLERVEWLRKKLQD 53 rat PTH(1-30) AVSEIQLMHNLGKHLASVERMQWLRKKLQD 54 [Leu(8, 21), Tyr34] AVSEIQLLHNLGKHLASVERLQWLRKKLQD 55 rat PTH (1-30) [Leu27] human SVSEIQLMHNLGKHLNSMERVEWLRKLLQD 56 PTH(1-30) human PTH(1-29) SVSEIQLMHNLGKHLNSMERVEWLRKKLQ 57 human PTH 1-28 SVSEIQLMHNLGKHLNSMERVEWLRKKL 58 [Leu(8, 18)] PTH(3- SEIQLLHNLGKHLNSLERVEWLRKKLQD 59 30) bovine PTH(3-30) SEIQFMHNLGKHLSSMERVEWLRKKLQD 60 [Leu(8, 18)] bovine SEIQFLHNLGKHLSSLERVEWLRKKLQD 61 PTH(3-30) human PTH(7-30) LMHNLGKHLNSMERVEWLRKKLQD 62 [Leu(8, 18)] human LLHNLGKHLNSLERVEWLRKKLQD 63 PTH(7-30) bovine PTH(7-30) FMHNLGKHLSSMERVEWLRKKLQD 64 [Leu(8, 18)] bovine FLHNLGKHLSSLERVEWLRKKLQD 65 PTH(7-30) [Leu(8, 18), Trp12] FLHNLWKHLSSLERVEWLRKKLQD 66 bovine PTH(7-30) [D-Trp12] bovine FMHNL-D-Trp-KHLSSMERVEWLRKKLQD 67 PTH(7-30) ¹Hendy et al. 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(1981), Endocrinology 109: 1552. ⁷Jouishomme et al. (1994), J. Bone Miner. Res. 9: 943; Whitfield and Morley; TIPS 16: 382. 8Barbier et al. (1997), J. Med. Chem. 40: 1373. ⁹Based on Schipani et al. (1993), Endocrinology 132: 2157-65. ¹⁰Scharla et al. (1991), Horm. Metab. Res. 23: 66-9; McGowan et al. (1983), Science 219: 67; Lowik et al. (1985), Cell Calcium 6: 311. ¹¹Based on Jobert et al. (1997), Endocrinology 138: 5282; Schipani et al. (1993); Rosenblatt et al. (1977), J. Biol. Chem. 252: 5847; Segre et al. (1979), J. Biol. Chem. 254: 6980; Nussbaum et al. (1980), J. Biol. Chem. 225: 10183; Gray et al. (1980), Br. J. Pharmac. 76: 259. ¹²Nissenson et al. (1999), Endocrinology 140: 1294-1300. ¹³Jueppner et al. (1996), Endocrinology. ¹⁴Horiuchi et al. (1983), Science 220: 1053. ¹⁵Schipani et al. (1993); Holick et al. (1995), Bone 16: 140S (abstract 223, Conference, Melbourne, February 1995). ¹⁶Based on Dresner-Pollak et al. (1996), JBMR 11: 1061-5. ¹⁷Goldman et al. 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TABLE 1B Exemplary PTH/PTHrP modulating domains  based on Cysmodifications of naturally-  occurring PTH polypeptides SEQ ID Description Sequence NO: Cys33 PTH SVSEI QLMHN LGKHL NSMER VEWLR 68 (1-34)(Cys-33  KKLQD VHCNF insertion) Cys27, 33  SVSEI QLMHN LGKHL NSMER VEWLR 69 PTH(1-34)(Cys- KCLQD VHCNF 27 replace- ment,Cys-33 insertion Cys-33  SVSEI QLMHN LGKHL NSMER VEWLR 70 replacement KKLQD VHCF CGPTH 4  SVSEI QLMHN LGKHL NSMER VEWLR 71 Cys-34 KKLQD VHNC replacement Cys14  SVSEI QLMHN LGKCL NSMER VEWLR 72 PTH(1-34) KKLQD VHNF Cys15  SVSEI QLMHN LGKHC NSMER VEWLR 73 PTH(1-34) KKLQD VHNF Cys16  SVSEI QLMHN LGKHL CSMER VEWLR 74 PTH(1-34) KKLQD VHNF Cys17  SVSEI QLMHN LGKHL NCMER VEWLR 75 PTH(1-34) KKLQD VHNF Cys18  SVSEI QLMHN LGKHL NSCER VEWLR 76 PTH(1-34) KKLQD VHNF Cys19  SVSEI QLMHN LGKHL NSMCR VEWLR 77 PTH(1-34) KKLQD VHNF Cys20PTH(1-34) SVSEI QLMHN LGKHL NSMEC VEWLR 78 KKLQD VHNF Cys21PTH(1-34) SVSEI QLMHN LGKHL NSMER CEWLR 79 KKLQD VHNF Cys22PTH(1-34) SVSEI QLMHN LGKHL NSMER VCWLR 80 KKLQD VHNF Cys24PTH(1-34) SVSEI QLMHN LGKHL NSMER VEWCR 81 KKLQD VHNF Cys25PTH(1-34) SVSEI QLMHN LGKHL NSMER VEWLC 82 KKLQD VHNF Cys26PTH(1-34) SVSEI QLMHN LGKHL NSMER VEWLR 83 CKLQD VHNF Cys27  SVSEI QLMHN LGKHL NSMER VEWLR 84 PTH(1-34) KCLQD VHNF Cys28PTH(1-34) SVSEI QLMHN LGKHL NSMER VEWLR 85 KKCQD VHNF Cys29PTH(1-34) SVSEI QLMHN LGKHL NSMER VEWLR 86 KKLCD VHNF Cys30PTH(1-34) SVSEI QLMHN LGKHL NSMER VEWLR 87 KKLQC VHNF Cys31PTH(1-34) SVSEI QLMHN LGKHL NSMER VEWLR 88 KKLQD CHNF Cys32PTH(1-34) SVSEI QLMHN LGKHL NSMER VEWLR 89 KKLQD VCNF

TABLE 2 Exemplary PTH/PTHrP modulating domains based on naturally-occurring PTHrP polypeptides SEQ ID Description Sequence NO: human PTHrP(1-86)³ AVSEHQLLHDKGKSIQDLRRRFFLHHLIAEI  90 HTAEIRATSEVSPNSKPSPNTKNHPVRFGSD DEGRYLTQETNKVETYKEQPLKTP human PTHrP (1-34)¹⁸ AVSEHQLLHDKGKSIQDLRRRFFLHHLIAEI  91 HTA [Tyr36] human PTHrP(1- AVSEHQLLHDKGKSIQDLRRRFFLHHLIAEI  92 36)³ HTAEY [Ile5, Trp23, Tyr36] AVSEIQLLHDKGKSIQDLRRRFWLHHLIAEI  93 human PTHrP (1-36)³ HTAEY Tyr-human PTHrP(1-34)³ YAVSEHQLLHDKGKSIQDLRRRFFLHHLIAE  94 IHTA [Asn10, Leu11, D-Phe12] AVSEHQLLHNL-D-Phe-  95 human PTHrP(1-34)¹⁹ KSIQDLRRRFFLHHLIAEIHTA PTHrP (7-34)²⁰ LLHDKGKSIQDLRRRFFLHHLIAEIHTA  96 [Asn10, Leu 11] human LLHNLGKSIQDLRRRFFLHHLIAEIHTA  97 PTHrP(7-34) [Asn16, Leu17] PTHrP(7- LLHDKGKSINLLRRRFFLHHLIAEIHTA  98 34)²¹ [Leu11, D-Trp12] human LLHDL-D-Trp-  99 PTHrP(7-34)²² KSIQDLRRRFFLHHLIAEIHTA [Asn10, Leu11, D-Trp12] LLHNL-D-Trp- 100 PTHrP(7-34)²³ KSIQDLRRRFFLHHLIAEIHTA [D-Trp12] PTHrP(8-34) LHNL-D-Trp- 101 KSIQDLRRRFFLHHLIAEIHTA [D-Phe12] PTHrP(8-34) LHNL-D-Phe- 102 KSIQDLRRRFFLHHLIAEIHTA [Asn10, Leu11, D-Trp12] LLHNL-D-Trp- 103 human PTHrP(7-34)²⁰ KSIQDLRRRFFLHHLIAEIHTA human PTHrP(1-30) AVSEHQLLHDKGKSIQDLRRRFFLHHLIAE 104 [Ile5, Trp23] human AVSEIQLLHDKGKSIQDLRRRFWLHHLIAE 105 PTHrP(1-30) Tyr-human PTHrP(1-30) YAVSEHQLLHDKGKSIQDLRRRFFLHHLIAE 106 [Asn10, Leu11, D-Phe12] AVSEHQLLHNL-D-Phe- 107 human PTHrP(1-30) KSIQDLRRRFFLHHLIAE PTHrP (7-30) LLHDKGKSIQDLRRRFFLHHLIAE 108 [Asn10, Leu11] human LLHNLGKSIQDLRRRFFLHHLIAE 109 PTHrP(7-30) [Asn16, Leu17] PTHrP(7- LLHDKGKSINLLRRRFFLHHLIAE 110 30) [Leu11, D-Trp12] human LLHDL-D-Trp-KSIQDLRRRFFLHHLIAE 111 PTHrP(7-30) [Asn10, Leu11, D-Trp12] LLHNL-D-Trp-KSIQDLRRRFFLHHLIAE 112 PTHrP(7-30) [D-Trp12] PTHrP(8-30) LHNL-D-Trp-KSIQDLRRRFFLHHLIAE 113 [D-Phe12] PTHrP(8-30) LHNL-D-Phe-KSIQDLRRRFFLHHLIAE 114 [Asn10, Leu11, D-Trp12] LLHNL-D-Trp-KSIQDLRRRFFLHHLIAE 115 human PTHrP(7-30) [Haa(Laa Laa Haa Haa)2 SVSEIQLMHNLGKHLNSMERVELLEKLLEKL 116 Laa 22-31] human PTH HNF (1-34)²⁴ [Haa(Laa Laa Haa Haa)2 SVSEIQLMHNLGKHLNSMERVELLEKLLKKL 117 Laa 22-31] human PTH HNF (1-34)²⁴ [Haa(Laa Laa Haa Haa)2 SVSEIQLMHNLGKHLNSMERVALARALAEAL 118 Laa 22-31] human PTH HNF (1-34)²⁵ [Haa(Laa Laa Haa Haa)2 SVSEIQLMHNLGKHLNSMERVSLLSSLLSSL 119 Laa 22-31] human PTH HNF (1-34)²⁶ [Haa(Laa Laa Haa Haa)2 SVSEIQLMHNLGKHLNSMERVAFYDKVAEKL 120 Laa 22-31] human PTH HNF (1-34)²⁷ [Haa(Laa Laa Haa Haa)₂ LMHNLGKHLNSMERVELLEKLLEKLHNF 121 Laa 22-31] human PTH (7-34)²⁴ [Haa(Laa Laa Haa Haa)₂ LMHNLGKHLNSMERVELLEKLLKKLHNF 122 Laa 22-31] human PTH (7-34)²⁴ [Haa(Laa Laa Haa Haa)2 LMHNLGKHLNSMERVALAEALAEALHNF 123 Laa 22-31] human PTH (7-34)²⁵ [Haa(Laa Laa Haa Haa)2 LMHNLGKHLNSMERVSLLSSLLSSLHNF 124 Laa 22-31] human PTH (7-34)²⁶ [Haa(Laa Laa Haa Haa)2 LMHNLGKHLNSMERVAFYDKVAEKLHNF 125 Laa 22-31] human PTH (7-34)²⁷ [Haa(Laa Laa Haa Haa)2 AVSEHQLLHDKGKSIQDLRRRELLEKLLEKL 126 Laa 22-31] human HTA PTHrP (1-34)²⁴ [Haa(Laa Laa Haa Haa)2 AVSEHQLLHDKGKSIQDLRRRELLEKLLKKL 127 Laa 22-31] human HTA PTHrP (1-34)²⁴ [Haa(Laa Laa Haa Haa)2 AVSEHQLLHDKGKSIQDLRRRALAEALAEAL 128 Laa 22-31] human HTA PTHrP (1-34)²⁵ [Haa(Laa Laa Haa Haa)2 AVSEHQLLHDKGKSIQDLRRRSLLSSLLSSL 129 Laa 22-31] human HTA PTHrP (1-34)²⁶ [Haa(Laa Laa Haa Haa)2 AVSEHQLLHDKGKSIQDLRRRAFYDKVAEKL 130 Laa 22-31] human HTA PTHrP (1-34)²⁷ [Haa(Laa Laa Haa Haa)2 LLHDKGKSIQDLRRRELLEKLLEKLHTA 131 Laa 22-31] human PTHrP (7-34)²⁸ [Haa(Laa Laa Haa Haa)2 LLHDKGKSIQDLRRRELLEKLLKKLHTA 132 Laa 22-31] human PTHrP (7-34)²⁴ [Haa(Laa Laa Haa Haa)2 LLHDKGKSIQDLRRRALAEALAEALHTA 133 Laa 22-31] human PTHrP (7-34)²⁵ [Haa(Laa Laa Haa Haa)2 LLHDKGKSIQDLRRRSLLSSLLSSLHTA 134 Laa 22-31] human PTHrP (7-34)²⁶ [Haa(Laa Laa Haa Haa)2 LLHDKGKSIQDLRRRAFYDKVAEKLHTA 135 Laa 22-31] human PTHrP (7-34)²⁷ [Lys11, Lys13; Arg19, AVSEHQLLHDKGKSIQDLRRRELLEKLLRKL 136 Arg21; Haa(Laa Laa Haa HTA Haa)2 Laa 22-31] human PTHrP (1-34)²⁹ [Lys11, Lys13; Arg19, AVSEHQLLHDKGKSIQDLRRRELLEKLLEKL 137 Arg21; Haa(Laa Laa Haa HTS Haa)2 Laa 22-31] human PTHrP (1-34)³⁰ [Lys11, Lys13; Arg19, AVSEHQLLHDKGKSIQDLRRRELLEKLLEKL 138 Arg21; Haa(Laa Laa Haa HTAGRR Haa)2 Laa 22-31] human PTHrP (1-34)³¹ [Lys11, Lys13; Arg19, AVSEHQLLHDKGKSIQDLRRRELLEKLLEKL 139 Arg21; Haa(Laa Laa Haa KEL Haa)2 Laa 22-31] human PTHrP (1-34)³² [Lys11, Lys13, Ala19, AVSEHQLLHDKGKSIQDLARRELLEKLLEKL 140 Arg21, Haa(Laa Laa Haa HTA Haa)2 Laa 22-31] human PTHrP (1-34)³³ [Lys11, Lys13, Arg19, AVSEHQLLHDKGKSIQDLRRAELLEKLLEKL 141 Ala21, Haa(Laa Laa Haa HTA Haa)2 Laa 22-31] human PTHrP (1-34)³⁴ [Leu11, Lys13, Arg19, AVSEAQLLHDLGKSIQDLRRRELLEKLLEKL 142 Arg21, Haa(Laa Laa Haa HAL Haa)2 Laa 22-31] human PTHrP (1-34)³⁵ [Lys11, Lys13, Arg19, AVSEHQLLHDKGKSIQDLRRRELLERLLERL 143 Arg21, Haa(Laa Laa Haa HTA Haa)2 Laa 22-31] human PTHrP (1-34)³⁶ [Arg11, Arg13, Arg19, AVSEHQLLHDRGRSIQDRRRELLERLLERLH 144 Arg21, Haa(Laa Laa Haa TA Haa)2 Laa 22-31] human PTHrP (1-34)³⁷ [Arg11, Lys13, Arg19, AVSEHQLLHDRGKSIQDLRRRELLERLLKRL 145 Arg21, Haa(Laa Laa Haa HTA Haa)2 Laa 22-31] human PTHrP (1-34)³⁸ [Arg11, Arg13, Arg19, AVSEHQLLHDRGRSIQDLRRRELLERLLKRL 146 Arg21, Haa(Laa Laa Haa HTA Haa)2 Laa 22-31] human PTHrP (1-34)³⁹ Haa(Laa Laa Haa Haa)₂ AVSEHQLLHDKGKSIQDLRRRALAEALAEAL 147 Laa 22-31] human PTHrP HTA (1-34)⁴⁰ Haa(Laa Laa Haa Haa)₂ AVSEHQLLHDKGKSIQDLRRRSLLSSLLSSL 148 Laa 22-31] human PTHrP HTA (1-34)⁴¹ Haa(Laa Laa Haa Haa)₂ AVSEHQLLHDKGKSIQDLRRRAFYDKVAEKL 149 Laa 22-31] human PTHrP HTA (1-34)⁴² Haa(Laa Laa Haa Haa)₂ AVSEIQFMHNLGKHLSSMERVELLEKLLEKL 150 Laa 22-31] human PTHrP HNY (1-34)⁴³ Haa(Laa Laa Haa Haa)₂ AVSEIQFMHNLGKHLSSMRRRELLEKLLEKL 151 Laa 22-31] human PTHrP HNY (1-34)⁴⁴ [Haa(Laa Laa Haa Haa)₂ SVSEIQLMHNLGKHLNSMERVELLEKLLEK 152 Laa 22-30] human PTH (1-30) [Haa(Laa Laa Haa Haa)₂ SVSEIQLMHNLGKHLNSMERVELLEKLLKK 153 Laa 22-30] human PTH (1-30) [Haa(Laa Laa Haa Haa)₂ SVSEIQLMHNLGKHLNSMERVALAEALAEA 154 Laa 22-30] human PTH (1-30) [Haa(Laa Laa Haa Haa)₂ SVSEIQLMHNLGKHLNSMERVSLLSSLLSS 155 Laa 22-30] human PTH (1-30) [Haa(Laa Laa Haa Haa)₂ SVSEIQLMHNLGKHLNSMERVAFYDKVAEKL 156 Laa 22-30] human PTH HNF (1-34)²⁷ [Haa(Laa Laa Haa Haa)₂ LMHNLGKHLNSMERVELLEKLLEK 157 Laa 22-30] human PTH (7-30) [Haa(Laa Laa Haa Haa)₂ LMHNLGKHLNSMERVELLEKLLKK 158 Laa 22-30] human PTH (7-30) [Haa(Laa Laa Haa Haa)₂ LMHNLGKHLNSMERVALAEALAEA 159 Laa 22-30] human PTH (7-30) [Haa(Laa Laa Haa Haa)₂ LMHNLGKHLNSMERVSLLSSLLSS 160 Laa 22-30] human PTH (7-30) [Haa(Laa Laa Haa Haa)₂ LMHNLGKHLNSMERVAFYDKVAEK 161 Laa 22-30] human PTH (7-30) [Haa(Laa Laa Haa Haa)₂ AVSEHQLLHDKGKSIQDLRRRELLEKLLEK 162 Laa 22-30] human PTHrP (1-30) [Haa(Laa Laa Haa Haa)₂ AVSEHQLLHDKGKSIQDLRRRELLEKLLKK 163 Laa 22-30] human PTHrP (1-30) [Haa(Laa Laa Haa Haa)₂  AVSEHQLLHDKGKSIQDLRRRALAEALAEA 164 Laa 22-30] human PTHrP (1-30) [Haa(Laa Laa Haa Haa)₂ AVSEHQLLHDKGKSIQDLRRRSLLSSLLSS 165 Laa 22-30] human PTHrP (1-30) [Haa(Laa Laa Haa Haa)₂ AVSEHQLLHDKGKSIQDLRRRAFYDKVAEK 166 Laa 22-30] human PTHrP (1-30) [Haa(Laa Laa Haa Haa)₂ LLHDKGKSIQDLRRRELLEKLLEK 167 Laa 22-30] human PTHrP (7-30) [Haa(Laa Laa Haa Haa)₂ LLHDKGKSIQDLRRRELLEKLLKK 168 Laa 22-30] human PTHrP (7-30) [Haa(Laa Laa Haa Haa)₂ LLHDKGKSIQDLRRRALAEALAEA 169 Laa 22-30] human PTHrP (7-30) [Haa(Laa Laa Haa Haa)₂ LLHDKGKSIQDLRRRSLLSSLLSS 170 Laa 22-30] human PTHrP (7-30) [Haa(Laa Laa Haa Haa)₂ LLHDKGKSIQDLRRRAFYDKVAEK 171 Laa 22-30] human PTHrP (7-30) [Lys11, Lys13; Arg19, AVSEHQLLHDKGKSIQDLRRRELLEKLLRK 172 Arg21; Haa(Laa Laa Haa Haa)₂ Laa 22-30] human PTHrP (1-30) [Lys11, Lys13; Arg19, AVSEHQLLHDKGKSIQDLRRRELLEKLLEK 173 Arg21; Haa(Laa Laa Haa Haa)₂ Laa 22-30] human PTHrP (1-30) [Lys11, Lys13; Arg19, AVSEHQLLHDKGKSIQDLRRRELLEKLLEKL 174 Arg21; Haa(Laa Laa Haa HT Haa)₂ Laa 22-30] human PTHrP (1-30) [Lys11, Lys13; Arg19, AVSEHQLLHDKGKSIQDLRRRELLEKLLEK 175 Arg21; Haa(Laa Laa Haa Haa)₂ Laa 22-30] human PTHrP (1-30) [Lys11, Lys13, Ala19, AVSEHQLLHDKGKSIQDLARRELLEKLLEK 176 Arg21, Haa(Laa Laa Haa Haa)₂ Laa 22-30] human PTHrP (1-30) [Lys11, Lys13, Arg19, AVSEHQLLHDKGKSIQDLRRAELLEKLLEK 177 Ala21, Haa(Laa Laa Haa Haa)₂ Laa 22-30] human PTHrP (1-30) [Leu11, Lys13, Arg19, AVSEAQLLHDLGKSIQDLRRRELLEKLLEK 178 Arg21, Haa(Laa Laa Haa Haa)₂ Laa 22-30] human PTHrP (1-30) [Lys11, Lys13, Arg19, AVSEHQLLHDKGKSIQDLRRRELLERLLER 179 Arg21, Haa(Laa Laa Haa Haa)₂ Laa 22-30] human PTHrP (1-30) [Arg11, Arg13, Arg19, AVSEHQLLHDRGRSIQDRRRELLERLLER 180 Arg21, Haa(Laa Laa Haa Haa)₂ Laa 22-30] human PTHrP (1-30) [Arg11, Lys13, Arg19, AVSEHOLLEDRGKSIQDLRRRELLERLLKR 181 Arg21, Haa(Laa Laa Haa Haa)₂ Laa 22-30] human PTHrP (1-30) [Arg11, Arg13, Arg19, AVSEHQLLHDRGRSIQDLRRRELLERLLKR 182 Arg21, Haa(Laa Laa Haa Haa)₂ Laa 22-30] human PTHrP (1-30) [Haa(Laa Laa Haa Haa)₂ AVSEHQLLHDKGKSIQDLRRRALAEALAEA 183 Laa 22-30] human PTHrP (1-30) Haa(Laa Laa Haa Haa)₂ AVSEHQLLHDKGKSIQDLRRRSLLSSLLSS 184 Laa 22-30] human PTHrP (1-30) Haa(Laa Laa Haa Haa)₂ AVSEHQLLHDKGKSIQDLRRRAFYDKVAEK 185 Laa 22-30] human PTHrP (1-30) Haa(Laa Laa Haa Haa)₂ AVSEIQFMHNLGKHLSSMERVELLEKLLEK 186 Laa 22-30] human PTHrP (1-30) Haa(Laa Laa Haa Haa)₂ AVSEIQFMHNLGKHLSSMRRRELLEKLLEK 187 Laa 22-30] human PTHrP (1-30) ¹⁸Moseley et al. (1987), Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 84: 5048; Suva et al. (1987), Science 237: 893; Kemp et al. (1987), Science 238: 1568; Paspaliaris et al. (1995), Bone 16: 141S (abstract 225, Conference, Melbourne 1995). ¹⁹Based on JP 07316195, May 25, 1994 (Nippon Kayaku). ²⁰Nagasaki et al. (1989), Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun. 158: 1036; Nutt et al.; Endocrinology 127, 491 (1990). ²¹Williams et al. (1998), J. Reproduction & Fertility 112: 59-67. ²²Gardella et al. (1996), Endocrinol. 137: 3936-41; Fukayama et al. (1998), Am. J. Physiol. 274: E297-E303. ²³Li et al. (1996), Endocrinology. ²⁴Incorporating SEQ ID NO: 26 from U.S. Pat. No. 6,051,686. ²⁵Incorporating SEQ ID NO: 28 from U.S. Pat. No. 6,051,686. ²⁶Incorporating SEQ ID NO: 29 from U.S. Pat. No. 6,051,686. ²⁷Incorporating SEQ ID NO: 30 from U.S. Pat. No. 6,051,686. ²⁸Incorporating SEQ ID NO: 26 from U.S. Pat. No. 6,051,686 ²⁹Incorporating SEQ ID NO: 5 from U.S. Pat. No. 6,051,686. ³⁰Based on SEQ ID NOS: 8, 9 from U.S. Pat. No. 6,051,686 ³¹Incorporating SEQ ID NO: 10 from U.S. Pat. No. 6,051,686 ³²Incorporating SEQ ID NO: 11 from U.S. Pat. No. 6,051,686 ³³Incorporating SEQ ID NO: 12 from U.S. Pat. No. 6,051,686 ³⁴Incorporating SEQ ID NO: 12 from U.S. Pat. No. 6,051,686 ³⁵Incorporating SEQ ID NO: 14 from U.S. Pat. No. 6,051,686 ³⁶Incorporating SEQ ID NO: 15 from U.S. Pat. No. 6,051,686 ³⁷Incorporating SEQ ID NO: 16 from U.S. Pat. No. 6,051,686 ³⁸Incorporating SEQ ID NO: 17 and 18 from U.S. Pat. No. 6,051,686 ³⁹Incorporating SEQ ID NO: 19 from U.S. Pat. No. 6,051,686 ⁴⁰Incorporating SEQ ID NO: 20 from U.S. Pat. No. 6,051,686 ⁴¹Incorporating SEQ ID NO: 21 from U.S. Pat. No. 6,051,686 ⁴²Incorporating SEQ ID NO: 22 from U.S. Pat. No. 6,051,686 ⁴³Modified from SEQ ID NO: 23 from U.S. Pat. No. 6,051,686 ⁴⁴Modified from SEQ ID NO: 24 from U.S. Pat. No. 6,051,686

In certain embodiments, a PTH/PTHrP modulating domain comprises the sequence of the peptide known as TIP39:

(SEQ ID NO: 160) SLALADDAAFRERARLLAALERRHWLNSYMHKLLVLDAP TIP39 is described by Usdin et al. (1999), Nature Neurosci. 2(11): 941-3; Usdin et al. (1996), Endocrinology 137(10): 4285-97; Usdin et al. (1995), J. Biol. Chem. 270(26): 15455-8; Usdin et al. (1999), Endocrinol. 140(7): 3363-71.

In certain embodiments, a PTH/PTHrP modulating domain comprises a polypeptide selected from the polypeptides of formula I (SEQ ID NO: 13). In certain embodiments, a PTH/PTHrP modulating domain comprises a polypeptide selected from the polypeptides of formula II (SEQ ID NO: 14). In certain embodiments, a PTH/PTHrP modulating domain comprises a polypeptide selected from the polypeptides of formula III (SEQ ID NO: 15). In certain embodiments, a PTH/PTHrP modulating domain comprises a polypeptide selected from the polypeptides of formula I (SEQ ID NO: 13), except the polypeptide comprises one or more conservative amino acid substitutions and/or one or more nonconservative substitutions. In certain embodiments, a PTH/PTHrP modulating domain comprises a polypeptide selected from the polypeptides of formula II (SEQ ID NO: 14), except the polypeptide comprises one or more conservative amino acid substitutions and/or one or more nonconservative substitutions. In certain embodiments, a PTH/PTHrP modulating domain comprises a polypeptide selected from the polypeptides of formula III (SEQ ID NO: 15), except the polypeptide comprises one or more conservative amino acid substitutions and/or one or more nonconservative substitutions. In certain embodiments, a PTH/PTHrP modulating domain comprises a polypeptide selected from polypeptides of formula I (SEQ ID NO: 13), wherein one or more residues between position 14 and the C-terminal amino acid of the polypeptide is substituted with a cysteine residue. In certain embodiments, a PTH/PTHrP modulating domain comprises a polypeptide selected from polypeptides of formula II (SEQ ID NO: 14), wherein one or more residues between position 14 and the C-terminal amino acid of the polypeptide is substituted with a cysteine residue. In certain embodiments, a PTH/PTHrP modulating domain comprises a polypeptide selected from polypeptides of formula III (SEQ ID NO: 15), wherein one or more residues between position 14 and the C-terminal amino acid of the polypeptide is substituted with a cysteine residue.

In certain embodiments, a PTH/PTHrP modulating domain comprises a polypeptide (i) having the amino acid sequence of TIP39 (SEQ ID NO: 160), or (ii) selected from the polypeptides of Table 1A, or (iii) selected from the polypeptides of Table 1B, or (iv) selected from the polypeptides of Table 2. In certain embodiments, a PTH/PTHrP modulating domain comprises a polypeptide (i) having the amino acid sequence of TIP39 (SEQ ID NO: 160), except the polypeptide comprises one or more conservative amino acid substitutions and/or one or more nonconservative substitutions, or (ii) selected from the polypeptides of Table 1A, except the polypeptide comprises one or more conservative amino acid substitutions and/or one or more nonconservative substitutions, or (iii) selected from the polypeptides of Table 1B, except the polypeptide comprises one or more conservative amino acid substitutions and/or one or more nonconservative substitutions, or (iv) selected from the polypeptides of Table 2, except the polypeptide comprises one or more conservative amino acid substitutions and/or one or more nonconservative substitutions. In certain embodiments, a PTH/PTHrP modulating domain comprises a polypeptide (i) having the amino acid sequence of TIP39 (SEQ ID NO: 160), except one or more residues between position 14 and the C-terminal amino acid of the polypeptide is substituted with a cysteine residue, or (ii) selected from the polypeptides of Table 1A, except one or more residues between position 14 and the C-terminal amino acid of the polypeptide is substituted with a cysteine residue, or (iii) selected from the polypeptides of Table 1B, except one or more residues between position 14 and the C-terminal amino acid of the polypeptide is substituted with a cysteine residue, or (iv) selected from the polypeptides of Table 2, except one or more residues between position 14 and the C-terminal amino acid of the polypeptide is substituted with a cysteine residue.

In certain embodiments, one or more residues between position 27 and the C-terminus of the PTH/PTHrP modulating domain is a cysteine residue.

Certain Exemplary Prepro Domains

In certain embodiments, a PTH/PTHrP peptide comprises a prepro domain and a modulating domain. In certain embodiments, the prepro domain is N-terminal to the modulating domain. In certain embodiments, the prepro domain and the modulating domain are separated by 0 to 30 amino acids. In certain embodiments, the prepro domain and the modulating domain are separated by 0 to 10 amino acids. In certain embodiments, the prepro domain and the modulating domain are separated by 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 amino acids. Certain exemplary prepro domains are shown in Tables 3 and 4.

TABLE 3 Exemplary prepro domains based on naturally-occurring PTH polypeptides SEQ Description Sequence Acc. No. ID NO: human MIPAKDMAKVMIVMLAICFLTKSDGVSVKKR NP_000306 188 rattus norvegicus MMSASTMAKVMILMLAVCLLTQADGKPVKKR NP_058740 189 sus scrofa MMSAKDTVKVMVVMLAICFLARSDGKPIKKR P01269 190 gallus gallus MTSTKNLAKAIVILYAICFFTNSDGRPMMKR P15743 191 bos taurus MMSAKDMVKVMIVMLAICFLARSDGKSVKKR P01268 192 felis cattus MMSAKDMVKVMVVMFAICFLAKSDGKPVKKR AAG30545 193 canis familiaris MMSAKDMVKVMIVMFAICFLAKSDGKPVKKR NP_001003302 194 mus musculus MMSANTVAKVMIIMLAVCLLTQTDGKPVRKR NP_065648 195

TABLE 4 Exemplary prepro domains based on naturally-occurring PTHrP polypeptides SEQ Description Sequence Acc. No. ID NO: human MQRRLVQQWSVAVFLLSYAVPSCGRSVEGLSRRLKR NP_945317 196 rattus norvegicus MLRRLVQQWSVLVFLLSYSVPSRGRSVEGLGRRLKR NP_036768 197 sus scrofa MLWRLVQQWSVAVFLLSYSVPSCGRSVEELGRRLKR NP_999081 198 gallus gallus MMFTKLFQQWSFAVFLLSYSVPSYGRSVEGISRRLKR NP_990669 199 bos taurus MLWRLVQQWSVAVFLLSYSVPSCGRSVEELGRRLKR P58073 200 fells cattus LLSYSVPSCGRSVEELGRRLKR AAL13054 201 (partial) canis familiaris MLRRLVQQWGVAVFLLSYSVPSCGRSVEELGRRLKR NP_001003303 202 mus musculus MLRRLVQQWSVLVFLLSYSVPSRGRSVEGLGRRLKR CAC39218 203 oryctolagus cuniculus MLRRLVQQWSVAVFLLSYSVPSCGRSVEGPGRRLKR AAG13414 204 Phoca vitulina MLRRLVQQWSVAVFLLSYSVPSCGRSVEELGRRLKR CAH39862 205 Cervus elaphus QWSVXVFLXSYSVPSCGRSVEELGRRLKR AAP93209 206 (partial) ovis aries VGVFLLSYSVPSCGRSVEELGRRLKR AAG48348 207 (partial)

Certain Exemplary PTH/PTHrP Peptides

In certain embodiments, PTH/PTHrP peptides may be prepared by methods known in the art, including, but not limited to, methods described, e.g., in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,423,037; 4,968,669; 5,001,223; or 6,051,686. In certain embodiments, two or more PTH/PTHrP peptides may be linked in tandem (i.e., multiple peptides linked sequentially), with or without linkers. In certain embodiments, a PTH/PTHrP peptide containing a cysteinyl residue may be cross-linked with another cysteine-containing polypeptide. In certain embodiments, a PTH/PTHrP peptide having more than one cysteine residue may form an intrapeptide disulfide bond. In certain embodiments, a PTH/PTHrP peptide may be derivatized, as discussed below.

In certain embodiments, conservative amino acid substitutions will produce peptides having functional and chemical characteristics similar to those of the PTH/PTHrP peptide prior to making the substitutions. In certain embodiments, if alteration of the functional and/or chemical characteristics of a PTH/PTHrP peptide is desired, non-conservative substitutions can be made in the peptide sequence. In certain embodiments, such non-conservative substitutions can be made by selecting, e.g., one or more replacement amino acids that differ from the replaced amino acids in their effect on maintaining (a) the structure of the peptide backbone in the area of the substitution, for example, as a sheet or helical conformation, (b) the charge or hydrophobicity of the molecule at the substitution site, and/or (c) the size of the molecule at the substitution site.

Certain exemplary desired amino acid substitutions (whether conservative or non-conservative) can be determined by those skilled in the art at the time such substitutions are desired. In certain embodiments, amino acid substitutions can be used to identify important residues of a PTH/PTHrP peptide, or to increase or decrease the affinity of the PTH/PTHrP peptide for the PTH-1 receptor and/or the PTH-2 receptor.

Certain Exemplary Methods of Preparing of PTH/PTHrP Peptides

In certain embodiments, a PTH/PTHrP peptide can be made in transformed host cells using recombinant DNA techniques. Thus, in certain embodiments, a recombinant DNA molecule coding for the peptide is prepared. Certain exemplary methods of preparing such DNA molecules are known in the art. In certain embodiments, a sequence coding for a peptide can be excised from DNA using a suitable restriction enzyme or enzymes. In certain embodiments, a DNA molecule can be synthesized using chemical synthesis techniques, including, but not limited to, the phosphoramidite method. In certain embodiments, a combination of these techniques, and other techniques known in the art, can be used.

In certain embodiments, a vector capable of expressing a PTH/PTHrP peptide in an appropriate host cell is provided. In certain embodiments, the vector comprises the DNA molecule that codes for the peptide operably linked to one or more appropriate expression control sequences. Certain exemplary methods of operably linking a coding DNA to one or more expression control sequences are known in the art. Certain exemplary expression control sequences include, but are not limited to, promoters, activators, enhancers, operators, ribosomal binding sites, start signals, stop signals, cap signals, polyadenylation signals, and other signals involved with the control of transcription and/or translation. In certain embodiments, the resulting vector having the coding DNA is used to transform an appropriate host. In various embodiments, one skilled in the art can select an appropriate transformation method according to the selected host cell.

In various embodiments, one of the large number of available and well-known host cells may be used to express a PTH/PTHrP peptide. In certain embodiments, a particular host cell is selected based on a number of factors known the art, including but not limited to, compatibility with the chosen expression vector, toxicity of the peptide encoded by the DNA molecule in that particular cell type, rate of transformation, ease of recovery of the expressed peptide, expression characteristics, bio-safety, and costs. In certain embodiments, consideration of these factors is made with the understanding that not all host cells may be equally effective for the expression of a particular DNA sequence. Exemplary useful hosts include, but are not limited to, bacteria (such as E. coli sp.), yeast (such as Saccharomyces sp. and Pichia pastoris) and other fungi, insect cells, plants and plant cells, mammalian (including human) cells in culture, certain mammals (including sheep, goats, cows, and pigs), and other host cells and organisms known in the art. Mammalian cell lines available as hosts for expression include, but are not limited to, certain immortalized cell lines available from the American Type Culture Collection (ATCC), including but not limited to, Chinese Hamster Ovary (CHO) cells, HeLa cells, baby hamster kidney (BHK) cells, monkey kidney cells (COS), human hepatocellular carcinoma cells (e.g. Hep G2) and the like, which may optionally be adapted for growth in serum-free culture medium. Certain exemplary host cells include, but are not limited to, 293T cells and CHO AM-1/D cells.

In certain embodiments, the transformed host is cultured and the peptide purified. In certain embodiments, host cells are cultured according to methods known in the art, including conventional fermentation conditions, to express the desired peptide. In certain embodiments, the peptide is purified from the culture according to methods known in the art.

In certain embodiments, a PTH/PTHrP peptide may be made by synthetic methods. For example, in certain embodiments, solid phase synthesis techniques may be used. Certain exemplary solid phase synthesis techniques are known in the art, including but not limited to, those described in Merrifield (1973), Chem. Polypeptides, pp. 335-61 (Katsoyannis and Panayotis eds.); Merrifield (1963), J. Am. Chem. Soc. 85: 2149; Davis et al. (1985), Biochem. Intl. 10: 394-414; Stewart and Young (1969), Solid Phase Peptide Synthesis; U.S. Pat. No. 3,941,763; Finn et al. (1976), The Proteins (3rd ed.) 2: 105-253; and Erickson et al. (1976), The Proteins (3rd ed.) 2: 257-527. In certain embodiments, solid phase synthesis may be the most cost-effective method of making certain small peptides.

In certain embodiments, derivatized peptides may be made using known organic chemistry techniques. In certain embodiments, the un-derivatized peptide is first made using either biochemical or synthetic methods, and is then derivatized using organic chemistry techniques.

Certain Exemplary Linkers

If a polypeptide is described as being “linked” to another polypeptide, the linked molecule may or may not include a linker. In certain embodiments, if a linker serves primarily as a spacer between two molecules, its precise chemical structure is not critical. In certain embodiments, a linker comprises amino acid residues linked together by peptide bonds, i.e., a linker comprises a peptide. Thus, in certain embodiments, a linker is a peptide having between 1 and 20 amino acids residues, including all numbers between those endpoints. The amino acid residues used in linkers may be conventional or unconventional amino acid residues. In certain embodiments, amino acid residues in a linker may be glycosylated and/or derivatized in another manner. In certain embodiments, the amino acid residues in a linker are selected from glycine; alanine, proline, asparagine, glutamine, and lysine. In certain embodiments, a linker comprises a majority of amino acid residues that are sterically unhindered, such as glycine and/or alanine. Thus, in certain embodiments, a linker is selected from a polyglycine (e.g., (Gly)₄, (Gly)₅), a poly(Gly-Ala), and a polyalanine. Certain exemplary linkers include, but are not limited to:

(SEQ ID NO: 208) (Gly)₃Lys(Gly)₄; (SEQ ID NO: 209) (Gly)₃AsnGlySer(Gly)₂; (SEQ ID NO: 210) (Gly)₃Cys(Gly)₄; (SEQ ID NO: 211) GlyProAsnGlyGly; and (SEQ ID NO: 212) GlyGlyGlyAlaPro.

To explain the above nomenclature, for example, (Gly)₃Lys(Gly)₄ means Gly-Gly-Gly-Lys-Gly-Gly-Gly-Gly. In certain embodiments, a linker comprises a combination of Gly and Ala residues. In certain embodiments, a linker comprises 10 or fewer amino acid residues. In certain embodiments, a linker comprises 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10 amino acid residues. In certain embodiments, a linker comprises 11-30 amino acid residues, including all numbers between those endpoints.

In certain embodiments, a peptide linker may result from the restriction enzyme sites used to clone two polypeptides into a single coding sequence. In certain embodiments, the restriction enzyme sites are added to the coding sequence of one or both of the polypeptides. In certain embodiments, the amino acid sequence of such linkers is dictated, at least in part, by the restriction enzyme sites selected for the cloning procedures.

In certain embodiments, non-peptide linkers are provided. Certain exemplary non-peptide linkers include, but are not limited to, alkyl linkers such as —NH—(CH₂)_(s)—C(O)—, wherein s=2-20. Such alkyl linkers may, in certain embodiments, further comprise substitutions including, but not limited to, non-sterically hindering group such as lower alkyl (e.g., C₁-C₆) lower acyl, halogen (e.g., Cl, Br), CN, NH₂, phenyl, etc. A non-limiting exemplary non-peptide linker is a PEG linker,

wherein n is a number such that the linker has a molecular weight of 100 to 5000 kD. In certain embodiments, n is a number such that the linker has a molecular weight of 100 to 500 kD, including all points between those endpoints.

In certain embodiments, a linker may result from a chemical and/or enzymatic process used to connect two polypeptides to one another. Certain exemplary chemical and/or enzymatic processes for connecting polypeptides are described, e.g., in the Pierce Applications Handbook and Catalog (2003/2004) (Pierce Biotechnology, Inc., Rockford, Ill.).

Certain Exemplary RANKL Antibody-PTH/PTHrP Chimeric Molecules

In certain embodiments, a RANKL antibody-PTH/PTHrP chimeric molecule comprises at least one RANKL antibody, at least one linker, and at least one PTH/PTHrP peptide. Exemplary linkers include, but are not limited to, a peptide linker, an alkyl linker, a PEG linker, and a linker that that results from a chemical or enzymatic process used to connect two polypeptides. In certain embodiments, at least one PTH/PTHrP peptide comprises a PTH/PTHrP modulating domain and a prepro domain. In certain embodiments, at least one PTH/PTHrP peptide comprises a PTH/PTHrP modulating domain but not a prepro domain. In certain embodiments, at least one RANKL antibody comprises two full-length heavy chains and two full-length light chains. In certain embodiments, at least one RANKL antibody comprises at least one truncated heavy chain and/or at least one truncated light chain. In certain embodiments, at least one RANKL antibody is an antibody fragment. Certain exemplary antibody fragments include, but are not limited to, a Fab, a Fab′, a F(ab′)₂, an Fv, and a single-chain Fv (scFv).

In certain embodiments, at least one PTH/PTHrP peptide may be linked to another molecule through the PTH/PTHrP peptide's C-terminus. In certain embodiments, a PTH/PTHrP peptide may be linked to another molecule through the PTH/PTHrP peptide's N-terminus. In certain embodiments, a PTH/PTHrP peptide is linked to a C-terminus of another molecule. In certain embodiments, a PTH/PTHrP peptide is linked to an N-terminus of another molecule.

In certain embodiments, a PTH/PTHrP peptide is linked to either the N-terminus or the C-terminus of the heavy chain of a RANKL antibody. In certain embodiments, a PTH/PTHrP peptide is linked to either the N-terminus or the C-terminus of the light chain of a RANKL antibody. In certain embodiments, a first PTH/PTHrP peptide is linked to the heavy chain of a RANKL antibody and a second PTH/PTHrP peptide having the same or different amino acid sequence as the first PTH/PTHrP peptide is linked to the light chain of the RANKL antibody. In certain embodiments, a RANKL antibody-PTH/PTHrP chimeric molecule comprises a linker between two components of the chimeric molecule.

In certain embodiments, at least one PTH/PTHrP peptide is fused to the heavy chain of a RANKL antibody. In certain embodiments, at least one PTH/PTHrP peptide is fused to the light chain of a RANKL antibody. In certain embodiments, a first PTH/PTHrP peptide is fused to the heavy chain of a RANKL antibody and a second PTH/PTHrP peptide having the same or different amino acid sequence as the first PTH/PTHrP peptide is fused to the light chain of the RANKL antibody. In certain embodiments, the heavy chain of a RANKL antibody is fused to at least two PTH/PTHrP peptides having the same or different sequence. In certain embodiments, the light chain of a RANKL antibody is fused to at least two PTH/PTHrP peptides having the same or different sequence. In certain embodiments, the heavy chain of a RANKL antibody is fused to at least two first PTH/PTHrP peptides having the same or different sequence and the light chain of a RANKL antibody is fused to at least two second PTH/PTHrP peptides having the same or different sequence.

In certain embodiments, a chimeric molecule comprises a ratio of two PTH/PTHrP peptides per one RANKL antibody. In certain embodiments, such a chimeric molecule comprises a first PTH/PTHrP peptide linked to a first heavy chain of a RANKL antibody and a second PTH/PTHrP peptide linked to a second heavy chain of the RANKL antibody. In certain embodiments, such a chimeric molecule comprises a first PTH/PTHrP peptide linked to a first light chain of a RANKL antibody and a second PTH/PTHrP peptide linked to a second light chain of the RANKL antibody. One skilled in the art can design additional chimeric molecules comprising a ratio of two PTH/PTHrP peptides per one RANKL antibody.

In certain embodiments, a chimeric molecule comprises four PTH/PTHrP peptides per one RANKL antibody. In certain embodiments, such a chimeric molecule comprises a first PTH/PTHrP peptide linked to a first heavy chain of RANKL, a second PTH/PTHrP peptide linked to a second heavy chain of RANKL, a third PTH/PTHrP peptide linked to a first light chain of RANKL, a fourth PTH/PTHrP peptide linked to a second light chain of RANKL. In certain embodiments, such a chimeric molecule comprises a first PTH/PTHrP peptide linked to the N-terminus of a first heavy chain of RANKL, a second PTH/PTHrP peptide linked to the C-terminus of the first heavy chain of RANKL, a third PTH/PTHrP peptide linked to the N-terminus of a second heavy chain of RANKL, and a fourth PTH/PTHrP peptide linked to the C-terminus of the second heavy chain of RANKL. In certain embodiments, such a chimeric molecule comprises a first PTH/PTHrP peptide linked to the N-terminus of a first light chain of RANKL, a second PTH/PTHrP peptide linked to the C-terminus of the first light chain of RANKL, a third PTH/PTHrP peptide linked to the N-terminus of a second light chain of RANKL, and a fourth PTH/PTHrP peptide linked to the C-terminus of the second light chain of RANKL. In certain embodiments, such a chimeric molecule comprises a first PTH/PTHrP peptide and a second PTH/PTHrP peptide linked to the N-terminus of a first heavy chain of RANKL, and a third PTH/PTHrP peptide and a fourth PTH/PTHrP peptide linked to the N-terminus of a second heavy chain of RANKL. One skilled in the art can design additional chimeric molecules comprising a ratio of four PTH/PTHrP peptides per one RANKL antibody.

In certain embodiments, a chimeric molecule comprises eight PTH/PTHrP peptides per one RANKL antibody. In certain embodiments, such a chimeric molecule comprises a first PTH/PTHrP peptide linked to the N-terminus of a first heavy chain of RANKL, a second PTH/PTHrP peptide linked to the C-terminus of the first heavy chain of RANKL, a third PTH/PTHrP peptide linked to the N-terminus of a second heavy chain of RANKL, a fourth PTH/PTHrP peptide linked to the C-terminus of the second heavy chain of RANKL, a fifth PTH/PTHrP peptide linked to the N-terminus of a first light chain, a sixth PTH/PTHrP peptide linked to the C-terminus of a first light chain, a seventh PTH/PTHrP peptide linked to the N-terminus of a second light chain, and an eighth PTH/PTHrP peptide linked to the C-terminus of a second light chain. In certain embodiments, such a chimeric molecule comprises a first PTH/PTHrP peptide and a second PTH/PTHrP peptide linked to the N-terminus of a first heavy chain of RANKL, a third PTH/PTHrP peptide and a fourth PTH/PTHrP peptide linked to the N-terminus of a second heavy chain of RANKL, a fifth PTH/PTHrP peptide and a sixth PTH/PTHrP peptide linked to the N-terminus of a first light chain of RANKL, and a seventh PTH/PTHrP peptide and an eighth PTH/PTHrP peptide linked to the N-terminus of a second light chain of RANKL. One skilled in the art can design additional chimeric molecules comprising a ratio of eight PTH/PTHrP peptides per one RANKL antibody.

In certain embodiments, at least one RANKL antibody in a RANKL antibody-PTH/PTHrP chimeric molecule is selected from a Fab, Fab′, F(ab′)2, Fv, and scFv. In certain embodiments, a RANKL antibody-PTH/PTHrP chimeric molecule comprises a peptide linker between at least two of the components.

In various embodiments, a RANKL antibody-PTH/PTHrP chimeric molecule comprises at least one PTH/PTHrP modulating domain selected from the amino acid sequences of Tables 1A, 1B and 2 (SEQ ID NOs: 16 to 187). In certain embodiments, a RANKL antibody-PTH/PTHrP chimeric molecule comprises at least one PTH/PTHrP prepro domain selected from the amino acid sequences of Tables 3 and 4 (SEQ ID NOs: 188 to 207). In certain embodiments, a RANKL antibody-PTH/PTHrP chimeric molecule comprises at least one PTH/PTHrP peptide having the sequence shown in FIG. 8 (SEQ ID NO: 6).

In certain embodiments, a RANKL antibody-PTH/PTHrP chimeric molecule comprises at least one heavy chain having the amino acid sequence shown in FIG. 2 (SEQ ID NO: 2). In certain embodiments, a RANKL antibody-PTH/PTHrP chimeric molecule comprises at least one heavy chain comprising a variable region having the amino acid sequence shown in FIG. 28 (SEQ ID NO: 11). In certain embodiments, a RANKL antibody-PTH/PTHrP chimeric molecule comprises at least one heavy chain comprising a variable region that is at least about 85%, at least about 90%, at least about 91%, at least about 92%, at least about 93%, at least about 94%, at least about 95%, at least about 96%, at least about 97%, at least about 98% or at least about 99% identical to the amino acid sequence shown in FIG. 28 (SEQ ID NO: 11). In certain embodiments, a RANKL antibody-PTH/PTHrP chimeric molecule comprises at least one light chain having the amino acid sequence shown in FIG. 4 (SEQ ID NO: 4). In certain embodiments, a RANKL antibody-PTH/PTHrP chimeric molecule comprises at least one light chain comprising a variable region having the amino acid sequence shown in FIG. 29 (SEQ ID NO: 12). In certain embodiments, a RANKL antibody-PTH/PTHrP chimeric molecule comprises at least one light chain comprising a variable region that is at least about 85%, at least about 90%, at least about 91%, at least about 92%, at least about 93%, at least about 94%, at least about 95%, at least about 96%, at least about 97%, at least about 98%, or at least about 99% identical to the amino acid sequence shown in FIG. 29 (SEQ ID NO: 12).

In certain embodiments, a RANKL antibody-PTH/PTHrP chimeric molecule comprises one RANKL antibody and one PTH/PTHrP peptide. In certain embodiments, a RANKL antibody-PTH/PTHrP chimeric molecule comprises one RANKL antibody and two PTH/PTHrP peptides. In certain embodiments, a RANKL antibody-PTH/PTHrP chimeric molecule comprises one RANKL antibody and more than two PTH/PTHrP peptides. In certain embodiments, a RANKL antibody-PTH/PTHrP chimeric molecule comprises more than one RANKL antibody and one PTH/PTHrP peptide. In certain embodiments, a RANKL antibody-PTH/PTHrP chimeric molecule comprises more than one RANKL antibody and more than one PTH/PTHrP peptide.

In certain embodiments, a polypeptide comprising a light chain of a RANKL antibody and a PTH/PTHrP peptide fused to a heavy chain of a RANKL antibody is referred to as “PTH/PTHrP-αRANKL heavy chain fusion.” In certain embodiments, a polypeptide comprising a heavy chain of a RANKL antibody and a PTH/PTHrP peptide fused to a light chain of a RANKL antibody is referred to as “PTH/PTHrP-αRANKL light chain fusion.” In certain embodiments, a polypeptide comprising a first PTH/PTHrP peptide fused to a heavy chain of a RANKL antibody and a second PTH/PTHrP peptide fused to a light chain of a RANKL antibody, wherein the first PTH/PTHrP peptide and the second PTH/PTHrP peptide are the same or different, is referred to as “PTH/PTHrP-αRANKL heavy+light chain fusion.”

In certain embodiments, a PTH/PTHrP peptide fused to the heavy chain of a RANKL antibody has the amino acid sequence shown in FIG. 12 (SEQ ID NO: 10, called synPTH-αRANKL-1 heavy chain or synPTH-αRANKL-1 IgG2). That polypeptide, along with a light chain having the sequence shown in FIG. 4 (SEQ ID NO: 4), is referred to as “synPTH-αRANKL-1 heavy chain fusion” or “synPTH-αRANKL-1 HCF”. In certain embodiments, a PTH/PTHrP peptide fused to the light chain of a RANKL antibody has the amino acid sequence shown in FIG. 10 (SEQ ID NO: 8, called synPTH-αRANKL-1 light chain or synPTH-αRANKL-1 kappa). That polypeptide, along with a heavy chain having the sequence shown in FIG. 2 (SEQ ID NO: 2), is referred to as “synPTH-αRANKL-1 light chain fusion” or “synPTH-αRANKL-1 LCF”. A polypeptide comprising a PTH/PTHrP peptide fused to the heavy chain of a RANKL antibody having the amino acid sequence shown in FIG. 12 (SEQ ID NO: 10, called synPTH-αRANKL-1 heavy chain or synPTH-αRANKL-1 IgG2) and a PTH/PTHrP peptide fused to the light chain of a RANKL antibody having the amino acid sequence shown in FIG. 10 (SEQ ID NO: 8, called synPTH-αRANKL-1 light chain or synPTH-αRANKL-1 kappa) is referred to as “synPTH-αRANKL-1 heavy+light chain fusion” or “synPTH-αRANKL-1 HC+LCF”.

Certain Exemplary Derivatives

In certain embodiments, a RANKL antibody-PTH/PTHrP chimeric molecule is derivatized. In certain embodiments, the RANKL antibody-PTH/PTHrP chimeric molecule is derivatized after the linked molecule is produced. In certain embodiments, one or more components of the RANKL antibody-PTH/PTHrP chimeric molecule are derivatized prior to forming the RANKL antibody-PTH/PTHrP chimeric molecule. For example, in certain embodiments, a RANKL antibody and/or a linker and/or a PTH/PTHrP peptide may be derivatized before forming the chimeric molecule.

In certain embodiments, by derivatizing a reference polypeptide, the solubility, absorption, stability, and/or biological half-life of the reference polypeptide is improved. In certain embodiments, derivatizing a reference polypeptide may reduce or eliminate one or more undesirable side-effects of the reference polypeptide in vivo.

A derivative of a reference RANKL antibody-PTH/PTHrP chimeric molecule has one or more modifications of one or more amino acid residues of the reference RANKL antibody-PTH/PTHrP chimeric molecule. Certain exemplary modifications include, but are not limited to, acetylation, acylation, ADP-ribosylation, amidation, biotinylation, covalent attachment of flavin, covalent attachment of a heme moiety, covalent attachment of a nucleotide or nucleotide derivative, covalent attachment of a lipid or lipid derivative, covalent attachment of phosphotidylinositol, cross-linking, cyclization, disulfide bond formation, demethylation, formation of covalent cross-links, formation of cystine, formation of pyroglutamate, formylation, gamma-carboxylation, glycosylation, GPI anchor formation, hydroxylation, iodination, methylation, myristoylation, oxidation, proteolytic processing, phosphorylation, prenylation, racemization, selenoylation, sulfation, transfer-RNA mediated addition of amino acids to proteins such as arginylation, and ubiquitination.

In certain embodiments, lysinyl residues and/or N-terminal amine groups may be derivatized by reaction with, e.g., succinic and/or other carboxylic acid anhydrides, which may reverse the charge of the lysinyl residues. Certain other reagents that may derivatize primary amine groups include, but are not limited to, imidoesters, including methyl picolinimidate; pyridoxal phosphate; pyridoxal; chloroborohydride; trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid; O-methylisourea; 2,4 pentanedione; and transaminase-catalyzed reaction with glyoxylate.

In certain embodiments, an arginyl residue may be derivatized by reaction with, e.g., phenylglyoxal, 2,3-butanedione, 1,2-cyclohexanedione, and/or ninhydrin. In certain embodiments, derivatization of arginyl residues is carried out under alkaline conditions. In certain embodiments, reagents that are capable of derivatizing arginyl residues are also capable of derivatizing lysine, an N-terminal amine group, and/or the arginine epsilon-amino group.

In certain embodiments, tyrosyl residues may be derivatized by reaction with, e.g., aromatic diazonium compounds and/or tetranitromethane. In certain embodiments, tyrosyl residues may be derivatized to introduce one or more spectral labels. In certain embodiments, N-acetylimidizole and tetranitromethane may be used to form O-acetyl tyrosyl species and 3-nitro derivatives, respectively.

In certain embodiments, carboxyl side chain groups (e.g., aspartyl or glutamyl) may be selectively modified by reaction with carbodiimides (R′—N═C═N—R′) such as 1-cyclohexyl-3-(2-morpholinyl-(4-ethyl) carbodiimide and/or 1-ethyl-3-(4-azonia-4,4-dimethylpentyl)carbodiimide. In certain embodiments, aspartyl and/or glutamyl residues may be converted to asparaginyl and glutaminyl residues by reaction with ammonium ions.

In certain embodiments, glutaminyl residues may be deamidated to glutamyl residues. In certain embodiments, asparaginyl residues may be deamidated to aspartyl residues. In certain embodiments, Alternatively, glutaminyl and/or asparaginyl residues may be deamidated, e.g., under mildly acidic conditions.

In certain embodiments, a cysteinyl residue can be replaced by another moiety to either eliminate disulfide bond formation with that location in the polypeptide and/or to stabilize cross-linking with another location in the polypeptide. See, e.g., Bhatnagar et al. (1996), J. Med. Chem. 39: 3814-9.

In certain embodiments, derivatization with bifunctional agents can be used to cross-link a polypeptide to another polypeptide, and/or to another molecule, moiety, surface, support matrix, and/or molecule. Certain exemplary cross-linking agents include, but are not limited to, 1,1-bis(diazoacetyl)-2-phenylethane; glutaraldehyde; N-hydroxysuccinimide esters, including esters with 4-azidosalicylic acid; homobifunctional imidoesters, including disuccinimidyl esters such as 3,3′-dithiobis(succinimidylpropionate); and bifunctional maleimides, including bis-N-maleimido-1,8-octane. In certain embodiments, a derivatizing agent may yield photoactivatable intermediates that are capable of forming crosslinks in the presence of light. Certain such derivatizing agents include, but are not limited to, methyl-3-[(p-azidophenyl)dithio]propioimidate. In certain embodiments, materials are employed for polypeptide immobilization. Certain such materials include, but are not limited to, reactive water-insoluble matrices, including cyanogen bromide-activated carbohydrates and the reactive substrates described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,969,287; 3,691,016; 4,195,128; 4,247,642; 4,229,537; and 4,330,440.

In certain embodiments, carbohydrate (oligosaccharide) groups may be attached to certain sites in reference polypeptides. In certain embodiments, those sites are known to be glycosylation sites. In certain embodiments, O-linked oligosaccharides are attached to serine (Ser) and/or threonine (Thr) residues. In certain embodiments, N-linked oligosaccharides are attached to asparagine (Asn) residues. In certain embodiments, N-linked oligosaccharides are attached to asparagine (Asn) residues when they are part of the sequence Asn-X-Ser/Thr, where X is any amino acid except proline. In various embodiments, the structures of N-linked and/or O-linked oligosaccharides and the sugar residues found in each type may be the same or different. In certain embodiments, N-acetylneuraminic acid (also referred to as sialic acid) may be found both N-linked and O-linked oligosaccharides. In certain embodiments, sialic acid is the terminal residue of an N-linked and/or O-linked oligosaccharide and, by virtue of its negative charge, may confer acidic properties to the glycosylated polypeptide. In certain embodiments, a polypeptide is glycosylated at one or more locations during recombinant production (e.g., in mammalian cells such as CHO, BHK, COS). In certain embodiments, a polypeptide is glycosylated at one or more locations by synthetic or semi-synthetic procedures known in the art.

Certain exemplary modifications of a reference polypeptide include, but are not limited to, hydroxylation of proline and/or lysine, phosphorylation of a hydroxyl group of serine and/or threonine, oxidation of the sulfur atom of cysteine, methylation of the alpha-amino group of the lysine, arginine, and/or histidine side chains. See, e.g., Creighton, Proteins: Structure and Molecule Properties (W.H. Freeman & Co., San Francisco), pp. 79-86 (1983).

In certain embodiments, derivatives of reference polypeptides are prepared for pharmaceutical use. In certain embodiments, derivatives of reference polypeptides retain certain properties analogous to those of the starting polypeptide. In certain embodiments, reference polypeptides are derivatized using “peptide mimetics” or “peptidomimetics”. See, e.g., Fauchere, J. Adv. Drug Res. 15:29 (1986); Veber and Freidinger TINS p. 392 (1985); and Evans et al. J. Med. Chem. 30:1229 (1987). In certain embodiments, such derivatives of reference polypeptides are developed with the aid of computerized molecular modeling. Peptide mimetics that are structurally similar to therapeutically useful peptides may, in certain embodiments, be used to produce a similar therapeutic or prophylactic effect. In certain embodiments, a derivatives of a reference polypeptide made using peptidomimetics is structurally similar to the reference polypeptide, but has one or more peptide linkages replaced by at least one linkage selected from: —CH₂NH—, —CH₂S—, —CH₂—CH₂—, —CH═CH-(cis and trans), —COCH₂—, —CH(OH)CH₂—, and —CH₂SO—, by methods known in the art. Substitution of one or more amino acids with a D-amino acid of the same type (e.g., D-lysine in place of L-lysine) may be used in certain embodiments to generate more stable polypeptides. In certain embodiments, a constrained derivative of a reference polypeptide may be generated by methods known in the art (see, e.g., Rizo and Gierasch Ann. Rev. Biochem. 61:387 (1992)); for example, by adding internal cysteine residues capable of forming intramolecular disulfide bonds and/or by cross-linking the reference polypeptide by other methods, which cyclizes the polypeptide.

Certain exemplary derivatives of a reference RANKL antibody-PTH/PTHrP chimeric molecule include, but are not limited to:

-   -   1. A RANKL antibody-PTH/PTHrP chimeric molecule that is cyclic.         As a non-limiting example, a RANKL antibody-PTH/PTHrP chimeric         molecule may be cyclized by cross-linking two cysteine residues         to form an intra-molecular disulfide bond.     -   2. A RANKL antibody-PTH/PTHrP chimeric molecule that is         cross-linked to at least one other molecule, which is the same         or different. As a non-limiting example, the RANKL         antibody-PTH/PTHrP chimeric molecule may be cross-linked to at         least one other molecule through one or more cysteine residues.         As another non-limiting example, the RANKL antibody-PTH/PTHrP         chimeric molecule may be cross-linked to at least one other         molecule through at least one C-terminus.     -   3. A RANKL antibody-PTH/PTHrP chimeric molecule that has one or         more peptidyl [—C(O)NR—] linkages replaced by one or more         non-peptidyl linkage. Non-limiting exemplary non-peptidyl         linkages include, but are not limited to, —CH₂-carbamate         [—CH₂—OC(O)NR—], phosphonate, —CH₂-sulfonamide [—CH₂—S(O)₂NR—],         urea [—NHC(O)NH—], —CH₂-secondary amine, and alkylated peptide         [—C(O)NR⁶— wherein R⁶ is lower alkyl].     -   4. A RANKL antibody-PTH/PTHrP chimeric molecule having at least         one derivatized N-terminus. In certain embodiments, an         N-terminus may be acylated or modified to a substituted amine.         Non-limiting exemplary N-terminal derivative groups include, but         are not limited to, —NRR¹ (other than —NH₂), —NRC(O)R¹,         —NRC(O)OR¹, —NRS(O)₂R¹, —NHC(O)NHR¹, succinimide, and         benzyloxycarbonyl-NH— (CBZ—NH—), wherein R and R¹ are each         independently hydrogen or lower alkyl and wherein the phenyl         ring may be substituted with 1 to 3 substituents selected from         C₁-C₄ alkyl, C₁-C₄ alkoxy, chloro, and bromo.     -   5. A RANKL antibody-PTH/PTHrP chimeric molecule having at least         one derivatized C-terminus. In certain embodiments, a C-terminus         may be esterified or amidated. Non-limiting exemplary C-terminal         derivative groups include, but are not limited to, —C(O)R²         wherein R² is lower alkoxy or —NR³R⁴ wherein R³ and R⁴ are         independently hydrogen or C₁-C₈ alkyl (preferably C₁-C₄ alkyl).     -   6. A RANKL antibody-PTH/PTHrP chimeric molecule in which at         least one disulfide bond has been replaced with at least one         cross-linking moiety that is not a disulfide bond (e.g., an         alkylene). See, e.g., Bhatnagar et al. (1996), J. Med. Chem. 39:         3814-9; Alberts et al. (1993) Thirteenth Am. Pep. Symp., 357-9.         In certain embodiments, the cross-linking moiety is more stable         than the disulfide bond.     -   7. A RANKL antibody-PTH/PTHrP chimeric molecule in which one or         more amino acid residues has been modified chemically or         enzymatically. In certain embodiments, a derivatizing agent         modifies one or more particular amino acid side chains.

Certain Exemplary Vehicles

In certain embodiments, a RANKL antibody-PTH/PTHrP chimeric molecule is attached, either covalently or non-covalently, to at least one vehicle. In certain embodiments, one or more vehicles are attached, either covalently or non-covalently, to a RANKL antibody-PTH/PTHrP chimeric molecule after the chimeric molecule has been produced. In certain embodiments, one or more vehicles are attached, either covalently or non-covalently, to one or more components of a RANKL antibody-PTH/PTHrP chimeric molecule prior to assembling the chimeric molecule. As a non-limiting example, one or more vehicles may be attached to a PTH/PTHrP peptide and then one or more vehicle-PTH/PTHrP peptides may be linked to a RANKL antibody to form a RANKL antibody-PTH/PTHrP chimeric molecule having one or more vehicles attached. In certain embodiments, additional vehicles may then be attached to the RANKL antibody-PTH/PTHrP chimeric molecule (which already has one or more vehicles attached).

Certain exemplary vehicles include, but are not limited to, polypeptides and small molecules (including, but not limited to, peptidomimetic compounds). In certain embodiments, a polypeptide or small molecule vehicle is capable of binding to a salvage receptor. Certain such vehicles are described, e.g., in U.S. Pat. No. 5,739,277. Certain polypeptide vehicles could be selected, e.g., by phage display or RNA-peptide screening for the ability to bind a salvage receptor (such as the FcRn salvage receptor). Such salvage-receptor binding vehicles can, in certain embodiments, be selected for longer half-lives (e.g., by avoiding sequences recognized by proteases) and/or decreased immunogenicity (e.g., by favoring non-immunogenic sequences).

Certain exemplary vehicles include, but are not limited to, polymer vehicles. Certain methods of attaching polymer vehicles to polypeptides are described, e.g., in PCT Publication No. WO 96/11953. Exemplary polymer vehicles include, but are not limited to, polyethylene glycol (PEG). In certain embodiments, modifying a therapeutic polypeptide with PEG improves the in vivo efficacy of the polypeptide. In certain embodiments, modifying a therapeutic polypeptide with PEG extends the polypeptide's circulating half-life. In certain embodiments, modifying a therapeutic polypeptide with PEG increases the polypeptide's solubility. In certain embodiments, modifying a therapeutic polypeptide with PEG reduces the polypeptide's toxicity and/or immunogenicity.

In certain embodiments, PEG may be attached to more than one therapeutic molecule, for example, in a polypeptide-PEG-polypeptide configuration. In certain embodiments, two PEG molecules are attached to a therapeutic molecule. When two PEG molecules are attached to a therapeutic molecule, in certain embodiments, the first PEG molecule may be attached to the second PEG molecule, which is then attached to the therapeutic molecule, or both the first and second PEG molecules may be attached to separate locations on the therapeutic molecule. In certain embodiments, a PEG is attached to a cysteine side chain of a polypeptide.

Certain conjugation chemistries for attaching a PEG vehicle to a polypeptide are known in the art. Certain exemplary conjugation chemistries are described, e.g., in Zalipsky, Advanced Drug Delivery Reviews 16:157-182 (1995). In certain embodiments, a PEG can be attached to a molecule via acylation or reductive alkylation through a reactive group on the PEG moiety (e.g., an aldehyde, amino, thiol, or ester group) to a reactive group on the molecule (e.g., an aldehyde, amino, or ester group).

In certain embodiments, a method of attaching a PEG to a polypeptide comprises combining a polypeptide and a PEG molecule, where each bears a functionality that is reactive toward the other. In certain embodiments, a polypeptide can be prepared by solid phase synthesis and “preactivated” with an appropriate functional group at a particular site. In certain embodiments, a polypeptide bearing a first functional group can be purified and/or characterized prior to reacting the polypeptide with a PEG molecule bearing a second functional group that is capable of reacting with the first functional group. In certain embodiments, the reaction of the first and second functional groups occurs in an aqueous solution. In certain embodiments, the reaction is monitored by reverse phase analytical HPLC. In certain embodiments, the reacted PEG-polypeptide molecule can be purified, e.g., by preparative HPLC, and/or characterized, e.g., by analytical HPLC, amino acid analysis and/or laser desorption mass spectrometry.

In certain embodiments, a polypeptide may be prepared by solid phase synthesis in which an orthogonal protection strategy is used to allow for attachment of one or more PEG vehicles to one or more particular amino groups. In certain embodiments, a polypeptide is synthesized with removable protecting groups on amino groups and other reactive groups that are not selected for attachment of PEG. PEG molecules are then attached to the protected polypeptide through the unprotected amino groups and/or other reactive groups. Following attachment of PEG, in certain embodiments, the protecting groups may be removed. In certain embodiments, the aforementioned method of selective attachment of PEG is useful for attaching PEG to only one of the lysine residues present in a PTH/PTHrP peptide. Thus, as a non-limiting example, for PTH(1-34), the side chain of one of the lysine residues at positions 13, 26, or 27 may be left unprotected while the other lysine residues are protected with, e.g., a Dde protecting group. After attaching PEG, the Dde groups may, in certain embodiments, be selectively removed using 2% hydrazine in water for 5 to 30 minutes at room temperature. In certain embodiments, the lysine at position 27 is selected for attachment of PEG.

In certain embodiments, solid phase synthesis may be used to prepare a polypeptide having PEG at its C-terminus. In certain such embodiments, PEG may link the polypeptide to the solid phase synthesis resin. Following synthesis of the polypeptide, the polypeptide and PEG may be cleaved from the resin such that the PEG is retained with the polypeptide.

In certain embodiments, site-directed attachment of PEG maximizes retention of biological activity while minimizing conjugate heterogeneity. In certain embodiments, site-directed attachment of PEG is achieved through recombinant protein techniques and/or selective conjugation chemistries. As a non-limiting example, site-directed mutagenesis may be used to incorporate one or more amino acids having reactive functional groups into a polypeptide at one or more positions predicted to have minimal impact on protein activity. Certain such site-directed mutagenesis is described, e.g., in Goodson, et al, Bio/Technology 8:343-346 (1990) and Tsutsumi, et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. 97:8548-8553 (2000). Exemplary amino acids having reactive functional groups include, but are not limited to, cysteine. In certain embodiments, an activated monofunctional PEG polymer may be prepared and/or obtained commercially. Certain exemplary activated PEG polymers that react with cysteine thiols include, but are not limited to, PEG-maleimide, PEG-vinylsulfone, PEG-iodoacetamide, PEG-orthopyridyl-disulphide and PEG-epoxides. In certain embodiments, a PEG-maleimide is selected for conjugating with the mutagenized polypeptide. The mutagenized polypeptide may then be combined with the activated PEG under appropriate reaction conditions to promote formation of a PEG-polypeptide conjugate. In certain embodiments, the PEG-polypeptide is purified and/or characterized.

In various embodiments, the PEG vehicle may be of any molecular weight and may be linear or branched. The average molecular weight of the PEG, in certain embodiments, ranges from about 2 kDa to about 100 kDa. In certain embodiments, the average molecular weight of the PEG is between about 5 kDa and about 50 kDa. In certain embodiments, the average molecular weight of the PEG is about 5 kDa, about 20 kDa, or about 30 kDa. In certain embodiments, the average molecular weight of linear monomethoxy PEG-maleimides are between about 5 kDa and about 30 kDa, or between about 20 kDa and about 30 kDa. In certain embodiments, the average molecular weight of a branched PEG-maleimide is about 40 kDa. In certain embodiments, a 40 kDa branched PEG-maleimide may comprise two 20 kDa polymer “arms” joined through a linker, which also serves as the polypeptide attachment site. In certain embodiments, an 8 kDa bis-functional PEG-(maleimide)₂ is used for a polypeptide-PEG-polypeptide conjugate.

Exemplary polymer vehicles include, but are not limited to, polysaccharide polymers. Dextrans are polysaccharide polymers comprised of individual subunits of glucose predominantly linked by α1-6 linkages. Dextran is available in many molecular weights, including, but not limited to molecular weights of about 1 kDa to about 70 kDa. In certain embodiments, dextran has a molecular weight of between about 1 kDa and about 20 kDa. In certain embodiments, dextran may be used as a vehicle by itself or in combination with another vehicle. See, e.g., PCT Publication Nos. WO 96/11953 and WO 96/05309. Exemplary use of dextran conjugated to therapeutic molecules is described, e.g., in European Patent Publication No. 0 315 456.

Certain Exemplary Uses for a RANKL Antibody-PTH/PTHrP Chimeric Molecule

In certain embodiments, methods of treating a bone disorder comprising administering a therapeutically effective amount of a RANKL antibody-PTH/PTHrP chimeric molecule are provided. In certain embodiments, methods of treating a bone disorder comprising administering a therapeutically effective amount of a RANKL antibody-PTH/PTHrP chimeric molecule and at least one additional therapeutic agent are provided. In certain such embodiments, one or more of the at least one additional therapeutic agents is administered in a therapeutically effective amount. In certain embodiments, the bone disorder is a disorder characterized at least in part by an increase in bone resorption and/or a net bone loss. In certain embodiments, treatment with a RANKL antibody-PTH/PTHrP chimeric molecule is used to suppress the rate of bone resorption. In certain embodiments, treatment may be used to reduce the rate of bone resorption in patients in which the resorption rate is above normal. In certain embodiments, treatment may be used to reduce the rate of bone resorption to below normal levels in order to compensate for below normal levels of bone formation in a patient. In certain embodiments, treatment with a RANKL antibody-PTH/PTHrP chimeric molecule is used to increase the rate of bone formation. In certain embodiments, treatment may be used to increase the rate of bone formation in patients in which the formation rate is below normal. In certain embodiments, treatment may be used to increase the rate of bone formation to above normal levels in order to compensate for above normal levels of bone resorption in a patient.

Certain exemplary conditions that may be treated include, but are not limited to, the following:

-   -   Primary and secondary hyperparathyroidism;     -   Tumor metastases, including metastases to bone (including         metastases to bone that are related to breast and prostate         cancer);     -   Cachexia and anorexia, including cachexia and anorexia         associated with cancer;     -   Osteopenia, including osteopenia following surgery, osteopenia         induced by steroid administration, osteopenia associated with         disorders of the small and large intestine, osteopenia         associated with chronic hepatic and renal diseases, and         osteopenia related to or aggravated by aberrant PTH receptor         signaling, including certain forms of osteoporosis;     -   Osteoporosis, including primary osteoporosis, post-menopausal         and age-related osteoporosis, endocrine osteoporosis (including         hyperthyroidism, hyperparathyroidism, Cushing's syndrome, and         acromegaly), hereditary and congenital forms of osteoporosis         (including osteogenesis imperfecta, homocystinuria, Menkes'         syndrome, Riley-Day syndrome), and osteoporosis due to         immobilization of extremities;     -   Osteoporosis that is secondary to other disorders, including         hemochromatosis, hyperprolactinemia, anorexia nervosa,         thyrotoxicosis, diabetes mellitus, celiac disease, inflammatory         bowel disease, primary biliary cirrhosis, rheumatoid arthritis,         ankylosing spondylitis, multiple myeloma, lymphoproliferative         diseases, and systemic mastocytosis;     -   Osteoporosis secondary to surgery (e.g., gastrectomy) or to drug         therapy, including chemotherapy, anticonvulsant therapy,         immunosuppressive therapy, and anticoagulant therapy;     -   Osteoporosis secondary to glucocorticosteroid treatment for         certain diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis (RA), systemic         lupus erythematosus (SLE), asthma, temporal arthritis,         vasculitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, polymyalgia         rheumatica, polymyositis, and chronic interstitial lung disease;     -   Osteoporosis secondary to glucocorticosteroid and/or         immunomodulatory treatment to prevent organ rejection following         organ transplant such as kidney, liver, lung, and heart         transplants;     -   Osteoporosis due to submission to microgravity, such as observed         during space travel;     -   Osteoporosis associated with malignant disease, such as breast         cancer, prostate cancer;     -   Paget's disease of bone (osteitis deformans) in adults and         juveniles;     -   Osteomyelitis, in other words, an infectious lesion in bone,         leading to bone loss;     -   Hypercalcemia, including hypercalcemia resulting from solid         tumors (including breast, lung and kidney) and hematologic         malignancies (including multiple myeloma, lymphoma and         leukemia), idiopathic hypercalcemia, and hypercalcemia         associated with hyperthyroidism and renal function disorders;     -   Osteonecrosis, in other words, bone cell death, including         osteonecrosis associated with traumatic injury, osteonecrosis         associated with Gaucher's disease, osteonecrosis associated with         sickle cell anemia, osteonecrosis associated with systemic lupus         erythematosus, osteonecrosis associated with rheumatoid         arthritis, osteonecrosis associated with periodontal disease,         osteonecrosis associated with osteolytic metastasis, and         osteonecrosis associated with other conditions; and     -   Loss of cartilage and joint erosion associated with rheumatoid         arthritis.

Certain Exemplary Uses of a RANKL Antibody-PTH/PTHrP Chimeric Molecule

In certain embodiments, a RANKL antibody-PTH/PTHrP chimeric molecule may be used alone or with at least one additional therapeutic agent for the treatment of bone disorders. In certain embodiments, a RANKL antibody-PTH/PTHrP chimeric molecule is used in conjunction with a therapeutically effective amount of an additional therapeutic agent. Certain exemplary therapeutic agents that may be administered with a RANKL antibody-PTH/PTHrP chimeric molecule include, but are not limited to, bone anti-resorptive agents, bone anabolic agents, anti-inflammatory agents, immune suppressant agents, and cancer therapy agents. Certain exemplary therapeutic agents also include, but are not limited to, bone morphogenic factors, including but not limited to BMP-1 through BMP-12; transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) and TGF-β family members; interleukin-1 (IL-1) inhibitors, including but not limited to, IL-1ra and derivatives thereof, Kineret™, and anakinra; TNFα inhibitors, including but not limited to, soluble TNFα receptors, Enbrel™, etanercept, anti-TNFα antibodies, Remicade™, infliximab, Humira, adalimumab, parathyroid hormone and analogs thereof; parathyroid related protein and analogs thereof; E series prostaglandins; bisphosphonate, including but not limited to alendronate and others; bone-enhancing minerals, including but not limited to fluoride and calcium; modulators of sclerostin; non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), including but not limited to, COX-2 inhibitors, including but not limited to Celebrex™, celecoxib, Vioxx™, and rofecoxib; immunosuppressants, including but not limited to methotrexate and leflunomide; serine protease inhibitors, including but not limited to, secretory leukocyte protease inhibitors (SLPIs); IL-6 inhibitors (including but not limited to, antibodies to IL-6), IL-8 inhibitors (including but not limited to, antibodies to IL-8); IL-18 inhibitors (including but not limited to, IL-18 binding proteins and IL-18 antibodies); interleukin-1 converting enzyme (ICE) modulators; fibroblast growth factors, including but not limited to, FGF-1 to FGF-10, and FGF modulators; PAF antagonists; keratinocyte growth factors (KGFs), KGF-related molecules, and KGF modulators; matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) modulators; nitric oxide synthase (NOS) modulators, including but not limited to, modulators of inducible NOS; modulators of glucocorticoid receptors; modulators of glutamate receptors; modulators of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) levels; and noradrenaline and modulators and mimetics thereof.

In certain embodiments, a RANKL antibody-PTH/PTHrP chimeric molecule and particular therapeutic agents are used to treat various inflammatory conditions, autoimmune conditions, cancer, metabolic disorders, and/or other conditions with attendant bone loss. In certain embodiments, in view of the condition and the desired level of treatment, two, three, or more agents may be administered. In certain embodiments, such agents may be provided together by inclusion in the same formulation. In certain embodiments, such agents and a RANKL antibody-PTH/PTHrP chimeric molecule may be provided together by inclusion in the same formulation. In certain embodiments, such agents may be provided together by inclusion in a treatment kit. In certain embodiments, such agents and a RANKL antibody-PTH/PTHrP chimeric molecule may be provided together by inclusion in a treatment kit. In certain embodiments, such agents may be provided separately. In certain embodiments, when administered by gene therapy, the genes encoding polypeptide agents and/or a RANKL antibody-PTH/PTHrP chimeric molecule may be included in the same vector. In certain embodiments, the genes encoding polypeptide agents and/or a RANKL antibody-PTH/PTHrP chimeric molecule may be under the control of the same promoter region. In certain embodiments, the genes encoding polypeptide agents and/or a RANKL antibody-PTH/PTHrP chimeric molecule may be in separate vectors.

In certain embodiments, methods of treating bone loss associated with an IL-1 mediated disease comprise administering a RANKL antibody-PTH/PTHrP chimeric molecule and at least one interleukin-1 (IL-1) inhibitor. In certain embodiments, a RANKL antibody-PTH/PTHrP chimeric molecule may be administered prior to, concurrent with, and/or subsequent to administering at least one IL-1 inhibitor. In certain embodiments, a composition comprises a RANKL antibody-PTH/PTHrP chimeric molecule, at least one IL-1 inhibitor, and at least one additional molecule described herein. In certain embodiments, methods of treatment use at least one IL-1 inhibitor and/or at least one TNF-α inhibitor in conjunction with a RANKL antibody-PTH/PTHrP chimeric molecule. In certain embodiments, a RANKL antibody-PTH/PTHrP chimeric molecule in combination with at least one IL-1 inhibitor and/or at least one TNFα inhibitor may be used for treatment of bone loss associated with an IL-1 and/or TNFα mediated disease.

Acute and chronic interleukin-1 (IL-1)-mediated diseases include, but are not limited to, the following: acute pancreatitis; amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS, or Lou Gehrig's disease); Alzheimer's disease; cachexia/anorexia, including AIDS-induced cachexia; asthma and other pulmonary diseases; atherosclerosis; autoimmune vasculitis; chronic fatigue syndrome; Clostridium associated illnesses, including Clostridium-associated diarrhea; coronary conditions and indications, including congestive heart failure, coronary restenosis, myocardial infarction, myocardial dysfunction (e.g., related to sepsis), and coronary artery bypass graft; cancer, including, but not limited to, leukemias, including multiple myeloma leukemia and myelogenous (e.g., AML and CML), and tumor metastasis; diabetes (including insulin-dependent diabetes); endometriosis; fever; fibromyalgia; glomerulonephritis; graft versus host disease and/or transplant rejection; hemorrhagic shock; hyperalgesia; inflammatory bowel disease; inflammatory conditions of a joint, including osteoarthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis; inflammatory eye disease, including those associated with, for example, corneal transplant; ischemia, including cerebral ischemia (including brain injury as a result of, e.g., trauma, epilepsy, hemorrhage or stroke, each of which may lead to neurodegeneration); Kawasaki's disease; learning impairment; lung diseases (including acute respiratory distress syndrome, or ARDS); multiple sclerosis; myopathies (e.g., muscle protein metabolism, including muscle protein metabolism in sepsis); neurotoxicity (including such condition induced by HIV); osteoporosis; pain, including cancer-related pain; Parkinson's disease; periodontal disease; pre-term labor; psoriasis; reperfusion injury; septic shock; side effects from radiation therapy; temporal mandibular joint disease; sleep disturbance; uveitis; and an inflammatory condition resulting from, e.g., strain, sprain, cartilage damage, trauma, orthopedic surgery, infection, or other disease processes.

In various embodiments, an IL-1 inhibitor may be any polypeptide or molecule capable of specifically preventing activation of cellular receptors to IL-1, which may result from any number of mechanisms. Exemplary mechanisms include, but are not limited to, downregulating IL-1 production, binding free IL-1, interfering with IL-1 binding to its receptor, interfering with formation of the IL-1 receptor complex (i.e., association of IL-1 receptor with IL-1 receptor accessory protein), and interfering with modulation of IL-1 signaling after binding to its receptor.

Certain interleukin-1 inhibitors include, but are not limited to, IL-1 receptor antagonists, including Kineret™ and anakinra, IL-1 ra, IL-1 ra variants, and IL-1 ra derivatives, which are collectively termed “IL-1 ra proteins;” anti-IL-1 receptor monoclonal antibodies (see, e.g., EP 623674, which is hereby incorporated by reference for any purpose); IL-1 binding proteins, including soluble IL-1 receptors (see, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 5,492,888, U.S. Pat. No. 5,488,032, and U.S. Pat. No. 5,464,937, U.S. Pat. No. 5,319,071, and U.S. Pat. No. 5,180,812); anti-IL-1 monoclonal antibodies (see, e.g., WO 9501997, WO 9402627, WO 9006371, U.S. Pat. No. 4,935,343, EP 364778, EP 267611 and EP 220063); IL-1 receptor accessory proteins and antibodies thereto (see, e.g., WO 96/23067 and WO 99/37773); inhibitors of interleukin-1 beta converting enzyme (ICE) or caspase I (see, e.g., WO 99/46248, WO 99/47545, and WO 99/47154), which may be used to inhibit IL-1 beta production and secretion; interleukin-1beta protease inhibitors; and other compounds and polypeptides that block in vivo synthesis or extracellular release of IL-1.

Interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1 ra) is a human polypeptide that acts as a natural inhibitor of interleukin-1 and is a member of the IL-1 family, which includes IL-1α and IL-1β. Certain exemplary receptor antagonists, including IL-1 ra and variants and derivatives thereof, as well as methods of making and using them, are described, e.g., in U.S. Pat. No. 5,075,222; WO 91/08285; WO 91/17184; AU 9173636; WO 92/16221; WO 93/21946; WO 94/06457; WO 94/21275; FR 2706772; WO 94/21235; DE 4219626, WO 94/20517; WO 96/22793; WO 97/28828; and WO 99/36541. In certain embodiments, an IL-1 receptor antagonist may be glycosylated. In certain embodiments, an IL-1 receptor antagonist may be non-glycosylated.

In certain embodiments, methods of treating bone loss associated with a TNFα-mediated disease comprise administering a RANKL antibody-PTH/PTHrP chimeric molecule and at least one TNFα inhibitor. In certain embodiments, a RANKL antibody-PTH/PTHrP chimeric molecule may be administered prior to, concurrent with, and/or subsequent to administering at least one TNFα inhibitor. In certain embodiments, a composition comprising a RANKL antibody-PTH/PTHrP chimeric molecule, at least one TNFα inhibitor, and at least one additional molecule described herein, may be administered.

Certain acute and chronic TNF-mediated diseases include, but are not limited to: cachexia and anorexia; cancer, including, but not limited to, leukemia; chronic fatigue syndrome; coronary conditions and/or indications, including, but not limited to, congestive heart failure, coronary restenosis, myocardial infarction, myocardial dysfunction (including but not limited to, such condition related to sepsis), and coronary artery bypass graft; depression; diabetes, including, but not limited to, juvenile onset Type 1 diabetes, diabetes mellitus, and insulin resistance (including, but not limited to, insulin resistance associated with obesity); endometriosis, endometritis, and related conditions; fibromyalgia and analgesia; graft versus host rejection; hyperalgesia; inflammatory bowel diseases, including, but not limited to, Crohn's disease and Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea; ischemia, including, but not limited to, cerebral ischemia, which includes, but is not limited to, brain injury as a result of trauma, epilepsy, hemorrhage, and/or stroke; lung disease, including, but not limited to, adult respiratory distress syndrome, asthma, and pulmonary fibrosis; multiple sclerosis; neuroinflammatory diseases; ocular diseases and conditions, including, but not limited to, corneal transplant, ocular degeneration and uveitis; pain, including, but not limited to, cancer-related pain; pancreatitis; periodontal diseases; Pityriasis rubra pilaris (PRP); prostatitis, including bacterial and non-bacterial prostatitis, and related conditions; psoriasis and related conditions; pulmonary fibrosis; reperfusion injury; rheumatic diseases, including, but not limited to, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, juvenile arthritis (including, but not limited to, juvenile rheumatoid arthritis), seronegative polyarthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, Reiter's syndrome and reactive arthritis, Still's disease, psoriatic arthritis, enteropathic arthritis, polymyositis, dermatomyositis, scleroderma, systemic sclerosis, vasculitis (e.g., Kawasaki's disease), cerebral vasculitis, Lyme disease, staphylococcal-induced (“septic”) arthritis, Sjögren's syndrome, rheumatic fever, polychondritis and polymyalgia rheumatica and giant cell arteritis); septic shock; side effects from radiation therapy; systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE); temporal mandibular joint disease; thyroiditis; and tissue transplantation and/or an inflammatory condition, e.g., resulting from strain, sprain, cartilage damage, trauma, orthopedic surgery, infection (e.g., HIV, Clostridium difficile and related species) or other disease process.

Certain exemplary activities of TNF inhibitors include, but are not limited to, downregulating or inhibiting TNF production, binding free TNF, interfering with TNF binding to its receptor, and interfering with modulation of TNF signaling after binding to its receptor. The term “TNF inhibitor” includes, but is not limited to, solubilized TNF receptors, including soluble tumor necrosis factor receptor type I (sTNF-RI; also called the p55 receptor), soluble tumor necrosis factor receptor type II (also called the p75 receptor), Enbrel™, etanercept; antibodies to TNF, including Remicade™, infliximab, Humira™, adalimumab (see, e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,090,382 and 6,258,562); antibodies to TNF receptor; sTNF-RI (see, e.g., WO 98/24463), Avakine™; inhibitors of TNF-α converting enzyme (TACE); and other molecules that affect TNF activity.

EP 393 438 and EP 422 339, describe the amino acid and nucleic acid sequences of a soluble TNF receptor type I (also known as sTNFR-I or 30 kDa TNF inhibitor) and a soluble TNF receptor type II (also known as sTNFR-II or 40 kDa TNF inhibitor), which are collectively termed “sTNFRs”. EP 393 438 and EP 422 339 also describe modified forms of sTNFR-I and sTNFR-II, including, but not limited to fragments, functional derivatives, and variants. Furthermore, EP 393 438 and EP 422 339 describe methods for isolating genes that code for the inhibitors, cloning the genes into suitable vectors, transforming or transfecting the genes into certain cell types, and expressing the genes to produce the inhibitors.

Published PCT Application No. WO 98/01555, describes truncated forms of sTNFR-I and sTNFR-II. Certain exemplary truncated sTNFR-I's include, but are not limited to, sTNFR-I 2.6D/C105, sTNFR-I 2.6D/C106, sTNFR-I 2.6D/N₁₀₅, sTNFR-I 2.3D/d8, sTNFR-I 2.3D/d18, sTNFR-I 2.3D/d15, either methionylated or nonmethionylated, and variants and derivatives thereof.

In certain embodiments, methods of treating bone loss associated with inflammatory and/or autoimmune diseases comprise administering a RANKL antibody-PTH/PTHrP chimeric molecule and at least one serine protease inhibitor. In certain embodiments, a RANKL antibody-PTH/PTHrP chimeric molecule may be administered prior to, concurrent with, and/or subsequent to administering at least one serine protease inhibitor. In certain embodiments, a composition comprising a RANKL antibody-PTH/PTHrP chimeric molecule, at least one serine protease inhibitor, and at least one additional molecule described herein, may be administered.

An exemplary serine protease inhibitor is secretory leukocyte protease inhibitor (SLPI) and fragments and analogs thereof. Exemplary serine protease inhibitors also include, but are not limited to, anti-leukoprotease (ALP), mucous protease inhibitor (MPI), human seminal plasma inhibitor-I (HUSI-I), bronchial mucus inhibitor (BMI), and cervical mucus inhibitor (CUSI). In certain embodiments, a serine protease inhibitor also may be LPS modulator. See, e.g., Jin et al. (1997), Cell 88(3): 417-26. In certain embodiments, these molecules are well-suited for use in conditions leading to bone loss because they are preferentially directed to the cartilage.

Certain exemplary serine protease inhibitors are described, e.g., in U.S. Pat. No. 4,760,130; U.S. Pat. No. 5,900,400; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,633,227. The molecules disclosed in the foregoing references as well as any variants or analogues thereof are collectively termed “serine protease inhibitors.”

In certain embodiments, a method of treating bone loss comprises administering a RANKL antibody-PTH/PTHrP chimeric molecule and at least one IL-18 inhibitor. In certain embodiments, a RANKL antibody-PTH/PTHrP chimeric molecule may be administered prior to, concurrent with, and/or subsequent to administering at least one IL-18 inhibitor. In certain embodiments, a composition comprising a RANKL antibody-PTH/PTHrP chimeric molecule, at least one IL-18 inhibitor, and at least one additional molecule described herein, is administered.

Certain exemplary conditions that may be treated include, but are not limited to, inflammation, autoimmune diseases, IL-1 mediated diseases, and TNF-mediated diseases. Certain exemplary conditions that may be treated with a RANKL antibody-PTH/PTHrP chimeric molecule and at least one IL-18 inhibitor include, but are not limited to, arthritis, including rheumatoid arthritis; systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE); graft versus host disease (GvHD); hepatitis; sepsis; and the loss of bone and cartilage accompanying these diseases.

Certain exemplary IL-18 inhibitors include, but are not limited to, antibodies that bind to IL-18; antibodies that bind to IL-18R; antibodies that bind to IL-18RAcP; IL-18 bp; IL-18R fragments (e.g., a solubilized extracellular domain of the IL-18 receptor); peptides that bind to IL-18 and reduce or prevent its interaction with IL-18R; peptides that bind to IL-18R and reduce or prevent its interaction with IL-18 or with IL-18RAcP; peptides that bind to IL-18RAcP and reduce or prevent its interaction with IL-18R; and small molecules that reduce or prevent IL-18 production or the interaction between any of IL-18, IL-18R, and IL-18RAcP.

In certain embodiments, a RANKL antibody-PTH/PTHrP chimeric molecule may be used with at least one therapeutic agent for treating bone loss associated with inflammation. In certain embodiments, a RANKL antibody-PTH/PTHrP chimeric molecule may be used with at least one therapeutic agent for treating bone loss associated with an immune disorder. Certain exemplary therapeutic agents for inflammation and immune disorders include, but are not limited to, corticosteroids, including, but not limited to, prednisolone; nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), including, but not limited to, cyclooxygenase type 1 (COX-1) and cyclooxygenase type 2 (COX-2) inhibitors; disease modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), including, but not limited to, methotrexate, hydroxychloroquine, chloroquine, cyclosporine, gold compounds (including auranofin, aurothiomalate and aurothioglucose), and leflunomide; type IV phosophodiesterase inhibitors, including, but not limited to, Rolipram and Pentoxifylline; Tacrolimus (FK-506); Sirolimus (rapamycin); mycophenolic acid; 5-lipoxygenase inhibitors, including, but not limited to, Zileuton; modulators of interleukin-6 (IL-6); small molecule modulators of 38 kDa mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38-MAPK); small molecule modulators of intracellular molecules involved in inflammation pathways, wherein such intracellular molecules include, but are not limited to, jnk, IKK, NF-κB, ZAP70, and Ick. Certain exemplary therapeutic agents for inflammation are described, e.g., in C. A. Dinarello and L. L. Moldawer Proinflammatory and Anti-inflammatory Cytokines in Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Primer for Clinicians Third Edition (2001) Amgen Inc. Thousand Oaks, Calif. Certain exemplary therapeutic agents for inflammation and autoimmune diseases include, but are not limited to, interferon gamma (IFN-γ) modulators; modulators of OX40/OX40L (including soluble forms of OX40); modulators of 4-1 BB/4-1BB ligand (including soluble forms of 4-1BB); and modulators of B cell-T cell costimulatory pathways, including, but not limited to, modulators of the receptor ligand pairs CD28/B7, CD40/CD40L, ICOS/B7RP1, and AGP-3/TACI/BAFFR (AGP-3 binds to both TACI and BAFFR receptors). Certain exemplary modulators of B cell-T cell costimulatory pathways include, but are not limited to, inhibitors of CD28, B7.1, and B7.2 (including soluble forms of B7.1 or B7.2 and soluble forms of CTLA4, both of which may be fused to a heterologous peptide or polypeptide which reduces or prevents degradation and/or increases half-life, reduces toxicity, reduces immunogenicity, or increases biological activity of a therapeutic polypeptide by increasing solubility or circulating half-life); inhibitors of CD40 and CD40L (including soluble forms of CD40 which may be fused to a heterologous peptide or polypeptide); inhibitors of ICOS and B7RP1 (including soluble forms of ICOS which may be fused to a heterologous peptide or polypeptide) and inhibitors of AGP-3, TACI and BAFFR (including soluble forms of TACI and BAFFR). ICOS, B7RP1 and inhibitors thereof are described, e.g., in WO00/46240. AGP-3, TACI and BAFFR and inhibitors thereof are described, e.g., in WO00/47740, WO01/85872, WO02/15273, WO98/39361, and von Bulow and Bram (1997) Science 278:138-140.

In certain embodiments, a RANKL antibody-PTH/PTHrP chimeric molecule may be used to treat bone loss associated with cancer. In certain embodiments, a RANKL antibody-PTH/PTHrP chimeric molecule may be used to treat bone loss associated with cancer where malignant and/or metastatic tumors have promoted the spread of cancer to bone. Certain exemplary cancers include, but are not limited to, breast, prostate, thyroid, kidney, lung, esophogeal, rectal, bladder, cervical, ovarian, and liver cancers, as well as cancer of the gastrointestinal tract. In certain embodiments, a RANKL antibody-PTH/PTHrP chimeric molecule may be used to treat bone loss associated with, e.g., certain hematological malignancies. Certain hematological malignancies include, but are not limited to, multiple myeloma and lymphoma, including Hodgkin's Disease. In certain embodiments, a RANKL antibody-PTH/PTHrP chimeric molecule may be used to treat bone loss associated with hormone ablative therapy. For example, such therapy may be employed in the treatment of hormone-responsive cancer, such as breast and prostate cancer,

In certain embodiments, a RANKL antibody-PTH/PTHrP chimeric molecule is administered alone. In certain embodiments, a RANKL antibody-PTH/PTHrP chimeric molecule is administered with at least one other therapeutic agent, including, but not limited to, at least one other cancer therapy agent. Certain exemplary cancer therapy agents include, but are not limited to, radiation therapy and chemotherapy. Certain exemplary chemotherapy may involve treatment with one or more of the following: anthracyclines, taxol, tamoxifene, doxorubicin, 5-fluorouracil, and other drugs known in the art. In certain embodiments, a cancer therapy agent is a luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) antagonist. In certain embodiments, a LHRH antagonist is a peptide antagonist.

In certain embodiments, the cancer therapy agent is an inhibitor of one or more of an epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), HER2, vegF, a vegF receptor, hepatocyte growth factor (HGF)/scatter factor (SF), c-Met, angiopoietin, Tie2, a platelet derived growth factor receptor (PDGFR), an insulin-like growth factor receptor (IGFR), mucin-like glycoprotein, CDC20, and CDC33, An inhibitor may be a polypeptide, antibody, peptide, peptide-Fc chimeric molecule, carbohydrate, lipid, or small molecule,

In certain embodiments, the cancer therapy agent is an antibody. Certain exemplary therapeutic antibodies include, but are not limited to, mouse, mouse-human chimeric, CDR-grafted, humanized and fully human antibodies, and synthetic antibodies, including those selected by screening antibody libraries. Certain exemplary antibodies include, but are not limited to, those which bind to Her2, CDC20, CDC33, mucin-like glycoproteins, epidermal growth factor receptors (EGFRs), vegF, vegF receptors, hepatocyte growth factors (HGFs)/scatter factors (SFs), insulin-like growth factor receptors (IFGRs) and optionally induce a cytostatic and/or cytotoxic effect on tumor cells. Certain exemplary antibodies include, but are not limited to, HERCEPTIN™, trastuzumab, RITUXAN™, rituximab, AVASTIN™, bevacizumab, ZEVALIN™, ibritumomab tiuxetan, LYMPHOCIDE™, epratuzumab ERBITUX™, cetuximab, IMC-C225, BEXXAR™ tositumomab, iodine 131 tositumomab, panitumumab, and Campath.

In certain embodiments, cancer therapy agents are polypeptides which selectively induce apoptosis in tumor cells, including, but not limited to, the TNF-related polypeptide TRAIL and agonists of a TRAIL receptor. In certain embodiments, a RANKL antibody-PTH/PTHrP chimeric molecule may be administered at least one of prior to, concurrent with, and subsequent to treatment with a cancer therapy agent. In certain embodiments, a RANKL antibody-PTH/PTHrP chimeric molecule may be administered prophylactically to prevent or mitigate the onset of bone loss by metastatic cancer. In certain embodiments, a RANKL antibody-PTH/PTHrP chimeric molecule may be administered for the treatment of an existing condition of bone loss due to metastasis.

In certain embodiments, a RANKL antibody-PTH/PTHrP chimeric molecule may be used to prevent and/or treat bone loss associated with multiple myeloma and/or to prevent and/or treat the disease itself. Multiple myeloma is a B cell derived tumor that may result in significant morbidity and/or mortality. In certain instances, a clinical manifestation of multiple myeloma is focal bone loss, which may be due to increased osteoclast activation in localized regions. Many myeloma patients present with bone lesions visible by radiological analysis and suffer from skeletal pain. In certain instances, patients with myeloma are susceptible to pathological fractures of involved bone, which may occur either spontaneously or due to injury. In certain instances, the skeletal lesions that occur during myeloma not only lead to bone fractures, but also deformity and occasionally nerve compression, particularly in the vertebral spine. In some patients, a pathological increase in serum calcium (hypercalcemia) occurs, and may cause significant problems during disease treatment. In certain embodiments, a RANKL antibody-PTH/PTHrP chimeric molecule may be administered to patients to reduce or block bone resorption and release of calcium, which may reduce the risk of fractures and spinal deformity.

In certain instances, myeloma cells do not directly participate in bone destruction, but instead produce extracellular signals that lead to osteoclast differentiation and activation. In certain instances, osteoclasts produce high levels of the cytokine IL-6, particularly when they become activated. IL-6 is a B-cell growth factor, and contributes to the growth of both murine and human myeloma cells in vitro. In certain instances, myeloma cells may also either directly or indirectly produce RANKL, which may result in local bone lysis surrounding the myeloma cells embedded in bone marrow spaces. In certain instances, the normal osteoclasts adjacent to the myeloma cell in turn produce IL-6, which may lead to local expansion of the tumor cells. In certain instances, myeloma cells expand in a clonal fashion and may occupy bone spaces that are created by inappropriate bone resorption.

It has been observed that OPG administration in rodents induces rapid death of the osteoclast population. See, e.g., Lacey et al. (2000) Am. J. Pathol. 157:435-448. In certain instances, a reduction in the number of osteoclasts may counteract the effect of increased IL-6 production by those cells and may therefore affect the growth and survival of myeloma cells within trabecular bone. Thus, in certain embodiments, administration of a RANKL antibody-PTH/PTHrP chimeric molecule to a myeloma patient may not only reduce bone resorption, but may also affect the expansion and survival of the tumor itself.

B-cells express the receptor for RANKL, RANK. Myeloma cells also express RANK, and in addition may produce RANKL. In certain instances, the expression of both RANKL and RANK in the same cell population may create an autocrine stimulus that affects survival of the myeloma cell. Thus, in certain embodiments, administration of a RANKL antibody-PTH/PTHrP chimeric molecule may reduce tumor cell survival, thereby decreasing or eliminating the tumor burden seen in myeloma patients.

Certain Exemplary Pharmaceutical Compositions Comprising a RANKL Antibody-PTH/PTHrP Chimeric Molecule.

In certain embodiments, pharmaceutical compositions are provided comprising a therapeutically effective amount of a RANKL antibody-PTH/PTHrP chimeric molecule and a pharmaceutically acceptable diluent, carrier, solubilizer, emulsifier, preservative and/or adjuvant.

In certain embodiments, pharmaceutical compositions are provided comprising a therapeutically effective amount of a RANKL antibody-PTH/PTHrP chimeric molecule; a therapeutically effective amount of at least one additional therapeutic agent; and a pharmaceutically acceptable diluent, carrier, solubilizer, emulsifier, preservative and/or adjuvant. Exemplary additional therapeutic agents include, but are not limited to, bone morphogenic factors, including but not limited to BMP-1 through BMP-12; transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) and TGF-β family members; interleukin-1 (IL-1) inhibitors, including but not limited to IL-1 ra and derivatives thereof, Kineret™, and anakinra; TNFα inhibitors, including but not limited to a soluble TNFα receptor, Enbrel™, etanercept, anti-TNFα antibodies, Remicade™, infliximab, Humira™, and adalimumab; parathyroid hormone and analogs thereof, parathyroid related protein and analogs thereof; E series prostaglandins; bisphosphonates (including alendronate and others); bone-enhancing minerals, including but not limited to fluoride and calcium; modulators of sclerostin; non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), including but not limited to COX-2 inhibitors such as Celebrex™, celecoxib, Vioxx™, and rofecoxib; immunosuppressants, including but not limited to methotrexate or leflunomide; serine protease inhibitors, including but not limited to, secretory leukocyte protease inhibitor (SLPI); IL-6 inhibitors (e.g., antibodies to IL-6), IL-8 inhibitors (e.g., antibodies to IL-8); IL-18 inhibitors (e.g., IL-18 binding protein or IL-18 antibodies); Interleukin-1 converting enzyme (ICE) modulators; fibroblast growth factors, including but not limited to FGF-1 to FGF-10 and FGF modulators; PAF antagonists; a keratinocyte growth factor (KGF), KGF-related molecules, or KGF modulators; matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) modulators; Nitric oxide synthase (NOS) modulators, including modulators of inducible NOS; modulators of glucocorticoid receptor; modulators of glutamate receptor; modulators of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) levels; and noradrenaline and modulators and mimetics thereof.

Certain exemplary pharmaceutical compositions may be for administration by injection, oral administration, pulmonary administration, nasal administration, transdermal administration, and/or other forms of administration. In certain embodiments, acceptable formulation materials are nontoxic to recipients at the dosages and concentrations employed.

In certain embodiments, the pharmaceutical composition may contain one or more formulation materials for modifying, maintaining, and/or preserving, for example, the pH, osmolarity, viscosity, clarity, color, isotonicity, odor, sterility, stability, rate of dissolution or release, rate of clearance of a compound and/or its derivatives, adsorption, and/or penetration of the composition. Certain exemplary suitable formulation materials include, but are not limited to, amino acids (including glycine, glutamine, asparagine, arginine, and lysine); antimicrobials; antioxidants (including ascorbic acid, sodium sulfite, sodium metabisulfite, and sodium hydrogen-sulfite); buffers (including borate, bicarbonate, acetate, Tris-HCl, citrates, phosphates, and other organic acids); bulking agents (including mannitol, lactose, and glycine); chelating agents (including ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA)); complexing agents (including caffeine, polyvinylpyrrolidone, beta-cyclodextrin. and hydroxypropyl-beta-cyclodextrin); fillers; monosaccharides; disaccharides; and other carbohydrates (including glucose, mannose, and dextrins); polypeptides (including serum albumin, gelatin or immunoglobulins); coloring, flavoring and diluting agents; emulsifying agents; hydrophilic polymers (including polyvinylpyrrolidone); low molecular weight polypeptides; salt-forming counterions (including sodium); preservatives (including benzalkonium chloride, benzoic acid, benzyl alcohol, salicylic acid, thimerosal, phenethyl alcohol, methylparaben, propylparaben, chlorhexidine, sorbic acid, and hydrogen peroxide); solvents (including glycerin, propylene glycol, and polyethylene glycol); sugar alcohols (including mannitol and sorbitol); suspending agents; additives, including surfactants, wetting agents, detergents, and solubilizing agents (including pluronics, PEG, sorbitan esters, Tween 20, Tween 80, polysorbates such as polysorbate 20, polysorbate 80, triton, tromethamine, lecithin, cholesterol, tyloxapal); stability enhancing agents (including sucrose and sorbitol); tonicity enhancing agents (including alkali metal halides, sodium or potassium chloride, mannitol sorbitol); delivery vehicles; diluents of various buffer content, pH, and ionic strength; polymeric compounds (including polylactic acid and polyglycolic acid); excipients and/or pharmaceutical adjuvants. See, e.g., Remington's Pharmaceutical Sciences, 18^(th) Edition, A. R. Gennaro, ed., Mack Publishing Company (1990).

In certain embodiments, physiologically acceptable salts of certain molecules are provided. Physiologically acceptable salts include any salts that are known or later discovered to be appropriate for one or more pharmaceutical applications. Certain exemplary physiologically acceptable salts include, but are not limited to, acetate, trifluoroacetate, hydrohalide (including hydrochloride and hydrobromide), sulfate, citrate, tartrate, glycolate, and oxylate.

In various embodiments, the compositions may be prepared in liquid form, or may be in dried form (including a powder or tablet). In certain embodiments, the compositions may be in a transdermal formulation. In certain embodiments, the compositions may be designed for sustained release.

In certain embodiments, the therapeutic agents may be diluted using an inert material. An inert material may also be used, in certain embodiments, to increase the volume of a pharmaceutical composition. Exemplary such inert materials include, but are not limited to, carbohydrates (including, e.g., mannitol, α-lactose, anhydrous lactose, cellulose, sucrose, modified dextrans, and starch). Exemplary such inert materials also include, but are not limited to, certain inorganic salts (including, e.g., calcium triphosphate, magnesium carbonate, and sodium chloride). Exemplary such inert materials also include, but are not limited to, certain commercially available diluents, including Fast-Flo, Emdex, STA-Rx 1500, Emcompress, and Avicell.

In certain embodiments, a RANKL antibody-PTH/PTHrP chimeric molecule is linked to a half-life extending vehicle known in the art. In certain embodiments, another therapeutic agent is linked to a half-life extending vehicle known in the art. Exemplary such vehicles include, but are not limited to, the Fc domain, polyethylene glycol, and dextran. Such vehicles are described, e.g., in U.S. application Ser. No. 09/428,082 and published PCT Application No. WO 99/25044.

In certain embodiments, an optimal pharmaceutical composition will be determined by one skilled in the art depending upon, for example, the intended route of administration, delivery format, and/or desired dosage. See, for example, Remington's Pharmaceutical Sciences, supra. In certain embodiments, such compositions may influence the physical state, stability, rate of in vivo release and/or rate of in vivo clearance of a RANKL antibody-PTH/PTHrP chimeric molecule.

In certain embodiments, the primary vehicle or carrier in a pharmaceutical composition may be either aqueous or non-aqueous in nature. Certain exemplary vehicles or carriers include, but are not limited to, water for injection, physiological saline solution or artificial cerebrospinal fluid, possibly supplemented with other materials common in compositions for parenteral administration. Certain exemplary vehicles or carriers include, but are not limited to, neutral buffered saline and saline mixed with serum albumin. In certain embodiments, pharmaceutical compositions comprise Tris buffer of about pH 7.0-8.5, which may further include sorbitol or a suitable substitute therefore. In certain embodiments, pharmaceutical compositions comprise acetate buffer of about pH 4.0-5.5, which may further include sorbitol or a suitable substitute therefore. In certain embodiments, a composition comprising a RANKL antibody-PTH/PTHrP chimeric molecule, with or without at least one additional therapeutic agent, may be prepared for storage by mixing the selected composition having the desired degree of purity with optional formulation agents (Remington's Pharmaceutical Sciences, supra) in the form of a lyophilized cake or an aqueous solution. In certain embodiments, a composition comprising a RANKL antibody-PTH/PTHrP chimeric molecule, with or without at least one additional therapeutic agent, may be formulated as a lyophilizate using appropriate excipients, including sucrose.

In certain embodiments, a pharmaceutical composition can be selected for parenteral delivery. In certain embodiments, the composition may be selected for inhalation or for delivery through the digestive tract, such as orally. The preparation of certain such pharmaceutically acceptable compositions is within the skill of the art.

In certain embodiments, formulation components are present in concentrations that are acceptable to the site of administration. In certain embodiments, buffers are used to maintain the composition at physiological pH or at a slightly lower pH, typically within a pH range of from about 5 to about 8, including all points between the endpoints.

In certain embodiments, when parenteral administration is contemplated, a therapeutic composition may be in the form of a pyrogen-free, parenterally acceptable aqueous solution comprising the desired RANKL antibody-PTH/PTHrP chimeric molecule, with or without additional therapeutic agents, in a pharmaceutically acceptable vehicle. In certain embodiments, a vehicle for parenteral injection is sterile distilled water in which the RANKL antibody-PTH/PTHrP chimeric molecule, with or without at least one additional therapeutic agent, is formulated as a sterile, isotonic solution, properly preserved. In certain embodiments, the preparation can involve the formulation of the desired molecule with an agent, such as injectable microspheres, bio-erodible particles, polymeric compounds (such as polylactic acid or polyglycolic acid), beads, or liposomes, that may provide for the controlled or sustained release of the product which may then be delivered via a depot injection. In certain embodiments, hyaluronic acid may be used, and may have the effect of promoting sustained duration in the circulation. In certain embodiments, implantable drug delivery devices may be used to introduce the desired molecule.

In certain embodiments, a pharmaceutical composition may be formulated for inhalation. In certain embodiments, a RANKL antibody-PTH/PTHrP chimeric molecule, with or without at least one additional therapeutic agent, may be formulated as a dry powder for inhalation. In certain embodiments, an inhalation solution comprising a RANKL antibody-PTH/PTHrP chimeric molecule, with or without at least one additional therapeutic agent, may be formulated with a propellant for aerosol delivery. In certain embodiments, solutions may be nebulized. Certain exemplary pulmonary administration is described in PCT application no. PCT/US94/001875, which describes pulmonary delivery of chemically modified polypeptides. Certain exemplary of pulmonary administration of various polypeptides are described, e.g., in Adjei et al., Pharma. Res. (1990) 7: 565-9; Adjei et al. (1990), Internatl. J. Pharmaceutics 63: 135-44 (leuprolide acetate); Braquet et al. (1989), J. Cardiovasc. Pharmacol. 13 (suppl. 5): s. 143-146 (endothelin-1); Hubbard et al. (1989), Annals Int. Med. 3: 206-12 (α1-antitrypsin); Smith et al. (1989), J. Clin. Invest. 84:1145-6 (α1-proteinase); Oswein et al. (March 1990), “Aerosolization of Proteins”, Proc. Symp. Resp. Drug Delivery II, Keystone, Colo. (recombinant human growth hormone); Debs et al. (1988), J. Immunol. 140: 3482-8 (interferon-γ and tumor necrosis factor α); and Platz et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,284,656 (granulocyte colony stimulating factor).

In certain embodiments, a mechanical device is used for pulmonary administration of a pharmaceutical composition. Certain exemplary mechanical devices include, but are not limited to nebulizers, metered dose inhalers, and powder inhalers, certain of which are known to those skilled in the art. Certain exemplary commercially available mechanical devices include, but are not limited to, the Ultravent nebulizer, manufactured by Mallinckrodt, Inc., St. Louis, Mo.; the Acorn II nebulizer, manufactured by Marquest Medical Products, Englewood, Colo.; the Ventolin metered dose inhaler, manufactured by Glaxo Inc., Research Triangle Park, N.C.; and the Spinhaler powder inhaler, manufactured by Fisons Corp., Bedford, Mass. In certain embodiments, a mechanical device is used with a pharmaceutical composition formulation particularly suited for dispensing with that device. In certain embodiments, such formulations include an appropriate propellant material for use in that device.

In certain embodiments, the therapeutic agent or agents are prepared in a particulate form for most effective delivery to the distal lung. In certain embodiments, such a particulate form has an average particle size of less than 10 μm. In certain embodiments, such a particulate form has an average particle size of about 0.5 to 5 μm, including all points between the endpoints.

In certain embodiments, a pharmaceutical composition for pulmonary administration comprises a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. Certain such carriers include, but are not limited to, carbohydrates, including trehalose, mannitol, xylitol, sucrose, lactose, and sorbitol. Certain exemplary carriers that may be included in a pharmaceutical composition for pulmonary administration include, but are not limited to, DPPC, DOPE, DSPC, and DOPC; natural and synthetic surfactants; PEG; dextrans, including cyclodextran; bile salts and other related enhancers; cellulose and cellulose derivatives; amino acids; liposomes; microcapsules and microspheres; and inclusion complexes.

In certain embodiments, a formulation for use with a nebulizer (either jet or ultrasonic), comprises the therapeutic agent or agents dissolved in water. In certain embodiments, the therapeutic agent or agents is dissolved at a concentration of about 0.1 to 25 mg/ml, including all points between the endpoints. Certain such formulations include, but are not limited to, one or more buffers and/or one or more simple sugars. In certain embodiments, addition of buffers and/or simple sugars enhances polypeptide stabilization and regulation of osmotic pressure. In certain embodiments, a nebulizer formulation contains one or more surfactants. In certain embodiments, a surfactant may reduce or prevent surface-induced aggregation of the therapeutic agent or agents caused by atomization of the solution to form the aerosol.

In certain embodiments, a formulation for use with a metered-dose inhaler device comprises a finely divided powder containing the therapeutic agent or agents suspended in a propellant with the aid of a surfactant. In certain embodiments, the propellant may be any conventional material employed for this purpose. Certain exemplary materials include, but are not limited to, chlorofluorocarbons, hydrochlorofluorocarbons, hydrofluorocarbons, and hydrocarbons, including trichlorofluoromethane, dichlorodifluoromethane, dichlorotetrafluoroethanol, and 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane, and combinations thereof. Certain exemplary surfactants include, but are not limited to, sorbitan trioleate, oleic acid, and soya lecithin. In certain embodiments, a formulation for use with an inhaler device will comprise one or more bulking agents. Bulking agents include, but are not limited to, lactose, sorbitol, sucrose, mannitol, trehalose, and xylitol. Certain such bulking agents may, in certain embodiments, comprise 50 to 90% by weight (including all points between the endpoints) of the formulation and may, in certain embodiments, facilitate dispersal of the powder from the device.

In certain embodiments, a pharmaceutical composition may be formulated for nasal administration. In certain embodiments, such formulations include dextran and/or cyclodextran. In certain embodiments, delivery via transport across other mucous membranes is also contemplated.

In certain embodiments, it is contemplated that formulations may be administered orally. In certain embodiments, a RANKL antibody-PTH/PTHrP chimeric molecule, with or without at least one additional therapeutic agent, that is administered in this fashion may be formulated with or without carriers customarily used in the compounding of solid dosage forms, including tablets, capsules, pills, troches, and lozenges, cachets, or pellets. In certain embodiments, liposomal or proteinoid encapsulation may be used to formulate the compositions (as, for example, proteinoid microspheres, described, e.g., in U.S. Pat. No. 4,925,673). In certain embodiments, a capsule may be designed to release the active portion of the formulation at the point in the gastrointestinal tract when bioavailability is maximized and/or pre-systemic degradation is minimized. In certain embodiments, at least one additional agent can be included to facilitate absorption of a RANKL antibody-PTH/PTHrP chimeric molecule. In certain embodiments, at least one additional agent can be included to facilitate absorption of one or more additional therapeutic agents. In certain embodiments, additional components may be used. Certain additional components include, but are not limited to, diluents, flavorings, low melting point waxes, vegetable oils, lubricants, suspending agents, tablet disintegrating agents, and binders. In certain embodiments, liposomal encapsulation may be used. In certain embodiments, the liposomes may be derivatized with various polymers (see, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 5,013,556). A description of certain exemplary solid dosage forms for the therapeutic can be found, e.g., in Chapter 10 of Marshall, K., Modern Pharmaceutics (1979), edited by G. S. Banker and C. T. Rhodes.

In certain embodiments, a pharmaceutical composition may comprise an effective quantity of a RANKL antibody-PTH/PTHrP chimeric molecule, with or without at least one additional therapeutic agent, in a mixture with non-toxic excipients which are suitable for the manufacture of tablets. In certain embodiments, by dissolving the tablets in sterile water, or another appropriate vehicle, solutions may be prepared in unit-dose form. Certain exemplary excipients include, but are not limited to, inert diluents, including calcium carbonate, sodium carbonate and bicarbonate, lactose, and calcium phosphate; and binding agents, including starch, gelatin, and acacia; and lubricating agents, including magnesium stearate, stearic acid, talc.

Certain exemplary additional pharmaceutical compositions will be evident to those skilled in the art, including formulations involving a RANKL antibody-PTH/PTHrP peptide chimeric molecule, with or without at least one additional therapeutic agents, in sustained- or controlled-delivery formulations. Certain exemplary techniques for formulating sustained- or controlled-delivery vehicles include, but are not limited to, liposome carriers, bio-erodible microparticles and porous beads, and depot injections. Certain techniques for formulating such sustained- or controlled-delivery vehicles are known in the art. In certain embodiments, a RANKL antibody-PTH/PTHrP chimeric molecule, with or without at least one additional therapeutic agent, can be incorporated into an inert matrix which permits release by diffusion and/or leaching mechanisms. In certain embodiments, slowly degenerating matrices may also be incorporated into the formulation, e.g., alginates and/or polysaccharides. Certain enteric coatings may have a delayed release effect. Also, PCT Application No. PCT/US93/00829 describes the controlled release of porous polymeric microparticles for the delivery of pharmaceutical compositions. In certain embodiments, sustained-release preparations may include semipermeable polymer matrices. In certain embodiments, such semipermeable polymer matrices allow water to enter and push drug out through a single small opening due to osmotic effects. See, e.g., the Oros therapeutic system (Alza Corp.). In certain embodiments, such semipermeable polymer matrices are in the form of shaped articles, e.g. films, or microcapsules. Certain exemplary sustained release matrices may include, but are not limited to, polyesters, hydrogels, polylactides (U.S. Pat. No. 3,773,919 and EP 058,481), copolymers of L-glutamic acid and gamma ethyl-L-glutamate (Sidman et al., Biopolymers, 22:547-556 (1983)), poly(2-hydroxyethyl-methacrylate) (Langer et al., J. Biomed. Mater. Res., 15:167-277 (1981) and Langer, Chem. Tech., 12:98-105 (1982)), ethylene vinyl acetate (Langer et al., supra), and poly-D(−)-3-hydroxybutyric acid (EP 133,988). In certain embodiments, sustained release compositions may include liposomes, which can be prepared by any of several methods known in the art. See e.g., Eppstein et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, 82:3688-3692 (1985); EP 036,676; EP 088,046 and EP 143,949.

In certain embodiments, a RANKL antibody-PTH/PTHrP chimeric molecule may be chemically modified to make oral delivery efficacious. In certain embodiments, one or more additional therapeutic agents may be chemically modified to make oral delivery efficacious. In certain embodiments, the chemical modification involves attachment of a vehicle to the therapeutic agent that permits (a) inhibition of proteolysis; and/or (b) uptake into the blood stream from the stomach or intestine; and/or (c) an increase in stability of the agent; and/or (d) an increase in circulation time of the agent in the body. Certain such vehicles include, but are not limited to, PEG, copolymers of ethylene glycol and propylene glycol, poly-1,3-dioxolane, poly-1,3,6-tioxocane, carboxymethyl cellulose, dextran, polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, and polyproline. See, e.g., Abuchowski and Davis, Soluble Polymer-Enzyme Adducts, Enzymes as Drugs (1981), Hocenberg and Roberts, eds., Wiley-Interscience, New York, N.Y., pp. 367-83; and Newmark, et al. (1982), J. Appl. Biochem. 4:185-9.

In certain embodiments, a salt of a modified aliphatic amino acid, such as sodium N-(8-[2-hydroxybenzoyl]amino)caprylate (SNAC), may be used as a carrier to enhance absorption of a therapeutic agent. See, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 5,792,451.

In certain embodiments, therapeutic agents may be formulated as fine multiparticulates, such as granules or pellets. In certain embodiments, such granules or pellets have a particle size of about 1 mm. In certain embodiments, for capsule administration, therapeutic agents may be formulated as a powder, lightly compressed plug, or a tablet. In certain embodiments, compression may be used to create a formulation.

In certain embodiments, a pharmaceutical composition may contain one or more colorants and/or flavoring agents. In certain embodiments, the pharmaceutical composition may take the form of a beverage containing the therapeutic agent or agents. In certain embodiments, the therapeutic agent or agents may be formulated, e.g., by liposome or microsphere encapsulation, and then included in the beverage.

In certain embodiments, one or more disintegrate may be included in a pharmaceutical composition. Certain exemplary disintegrants include, but are not limited to, starch, including commercial disintegrants that are based on starch, including Explotab. Certain exemplary disintegrants include, but are not limited to, sodium starch glycolate, Amberlite, sodium carboxymethylcellulose, ultramylopectin, sodium alginate, gelatin, orange peel, acid carboxymethyl cellulose, natural sponge, alginic acid and its sodium salt, and bentonite. Certain exemplary disintegrants include, but are not limited to, insoluble cationic exchange resins. Powdered gums, including agar, Karaya, and/or tragacanth may also be used as disintegrants and/or binders (discussed below) in certain embodiments.

In certain embodiments, one or more binders may be used to hold the therapeutic agent or agents together in, e.g., a tablet form. In certain embodiments, binders include materials from natural products, including, e.g., acacia, tragacanth, starch and/or gelatin. Certain exemplary binders include, but are not limited to, methyl cellulose (MC), ethyl cellulose (EC), and carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC). In certain embodiments, polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP) and/or hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose (HPMC) may be used in alcoholic solutions to granulate the therapeutic agent or agents.

In certain embodiments, an antifrictional agent may be included in a formulation of the therapeutic agent or agents to prevent sticking during the formulation process. Certain exemplary antifriction agents include, but are not limited to, lubricants, which include, but are not limited to, stearic acid (including its magnesium and calcium salts), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), liquid paraffin, vegetable oils, and waxes. Certain exemplary antifriction agents include, but are not limited to, soluble lubricants, including sodium lauryl sulfate, magnesium lauryl sulfate, polyethylene glycol of various molecular weights, and Carbowax 4000 and 6000.

In certain embodiments, a glidant may improve the flow properties of the therapeutic agent or agents and/or of the pharmaceutical composition during formulation. Glidants may also aid rearrangement during compression in certain embodiments. Certain exemplary glidants include, but are not limited to, starch, talc, pyrogenic silica, and hydrated silicoaluminate.

In certain embodiments, a pharmaceutical composition comprises one or more surfactants. In certain embodiments, a surfactant may act as a wetting agent and aid dissolution of the pharmaceutical composition into an aqueous environment. Certain exemplary surfactants include, but are not limited to, anionic detergents, which include sodium lauryl sulfate, dioctyl sodium sulfosuccinate, and dioctyl sodium sulfonate; cationic detergents, which include benzalkonium chloride and benzethonium chloride; nonionic detergents, including lauromacrogol 400, polyoxyl 40 stearate, polyoxyethylene hydrogenated castor oil 10, 50 and 60, glycerol monostearate, polysorbate 40, 60, 65 and 80, sucrose fatty acid ester, methyl cellulose and carboxymethyl cellulose.

In certain embodiments, one or more additives are also included in the compositions to enhance uptake of the compound. Certain such additives include, but are not limited to, fatty acids, including oleic acid, linoleic acid, and linolenic acid.

In certain embodiments, one or more coatings may be included in the pharmaceutical composition. Certain exemplary coatings include, but are not limited to, sugars, nonenteric materials, including methyl cellulose, ethyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose, methylhydroxy-ethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl-methyl cellulose, sodium carboxy-methyl cellulose, providone and the polyethylene glycols; and enteric materials, including esters of phthalic acid. In certain embodiments, a mixture of materials may provide an optimum film coating. In various embodiments, film coating may be carried out in a pan coater, in a fluidized bed, and/or by compression coating.

In certain embodiments, a pharmaceutical composition to be used for in vivo administration is sterile. In certain embodiments, this may be accomplished by filtration through sterile filtration membranes. In certain embodiments, where the composition is lyophilized, sterilization using this method may be conducted either prior to or following lyophilization and reconstitution. In certain embodiments, a composition for parenteral administration may be stored in lyophilized form or in a solution. In certain embodiments, parenteral compositions generally are placed into a container having a sterile access port, for example, an intravenous solution bag or vial having a stopper pierceable by a hypodermic injection needle.

In certain embodiments, once the pharmaceutical composition has been formulated, it may be stored in sterile vials as a solution, suspension, gel, emulsion, solid, or as a dehydrated or lyophilized powder. In certain embodiments, such formulations may be stored either in a ready-to-use form or in a form (e.g., lyophilized) that is reconstituted prior to administration.

In certain embodiments, kits are provided for producing a single-dose administration unit. In certain embodiments, the kits may each contain both a first container having a dried polypeptide and a second container having an aqueous formulation. In certain embodiments, kits containing single and multi-chambered pre-filled syringes (e.g., liquid syringes and lyosyringes) are provided.

In certain embodiments, the effective amount of a pharmaceutical composition comprising a RANKL antibody-PTH/PTHrP chimeric molecule, with or without at least one additional therapeutic agent, to be employed therapeutically will depend, for example, upon the therapeutic context and objectives. One skilled in the art will appreciate that the appropriate dosage levels for treatment, according to certain embodiments, will thus vary depending, in part, upon the molecule delivered; the indication for which the RANKL antibody-PTH/PTHrP chimeric molecule, with or without at least one additional therapeutic agent, is being used; the route of administration; and/or the size (body weight, body surface or organ size) of the patient; and/or the condition (the age and general health) of the patient. In certain embodiments, the clinician may consider the sex and/or diet of the patient and/or the severity of any infections. In certain embodiments, the clinician may titer the dosage and modify the route of administration to obtain the optimal therapeutic effect.

In certain embodiments, the frequency of dosing will take into account the pharmacokinetic parameters of the RANKL antibody-PTH/PTHrP chimeric molecule in the formulation used. In certain embodiments, the frequency of dosing will take into account the pharmacokinetic parameters of one or more additional therapeutic agents in the formulation used. In certain embodiments, a clinician will administer the composition until a dosage is reached that achieves the desired effect. In certain embodiments, the composition may therefore be administered as a single dose, or as two or more doses (which may or may not contain the same amount of the desired molecule) over time, or as a continuous infusion via an implantation device, a catheter, or other way. In certain embodiments, further refinement of the appropriate dosage is routinely made by those of ordinary skill in the art and is within the ambit of tasks routinely performed by them. In certain embodiments, appropriate dosages may be ascertained through use of appropriate dose-response data.

In certain embodiments, RANKL antibody-PTH/PTHrP chimeric molecule therapy allows for less frequent dosing than administration of PTH alone. Forteo® (teraparatide) comprises PTH[1-34] and is administered as a 20 μg dose once daily. Preos® comprises PTH[1-84] and is administered as a 100 μg dose once daily. In certain embodiments, a RANKL antibody-PTH/PTHrP chimeric molecule is administered once per week to achieve a similar effect to PTH[1-34] or PTH[1-84] administered once per day. In certain embodiments, a RANKL antibody-PTH/PTHrP chimeric molecule is administered once every two weeks, once every three weeks, or once every four weeks to achieve a similar effect to PTH[1-34] or PTH[1-84] administered once per day. In certain embodiments, a RANKL antibody-PTH/PTHrP chimeric molecule is administered once per month, once every two months, once every three months, once every six months, or once per year to achieve a similar effect to PTH[1-34] or PTH[1-84] administered once per day.

In certain embodiments, a typical dosage may range from about 0.1 μg/kg to up to about 100 mg/kg (including all points between the endpoints) or more, depending on the factors mentioned above. In certain embodiments, the dosage may range from about 0.1 μg/kg up to about 100 mg/kg; or about 1 μg/kg up to about 100 mg/kg; or about 5 μg/kg up to about 100 mg/kg; or about 0.5 mg/kg to about 20 mg/kg; or about 0.5 mg/kg to about 10 mg/kg; or about 0.5 mg/kg to about 5 mg/kg.

In certain embodiments, the route of administration of the pharmaceutical composition is in accord with certain known methods. Certain exemplary routes of administration include, but are not limited to, oral, through injection by intravenous, intraperitoneal, intracerebral (intra-parenchymal), intracerebroventricular, intramuscular, intra-ocular, intraarterial, intraportal, and/or intralesional routes; by sustained release systems and/or by implantation devices. In certain embodiments, the compositions may be administered by bolus injection, continuously by infusion, and/or by implantation device.

In certain embodiments, the composition may be administered locally via implantation of a membrane, sponge or another appropriate material onto which the desired molecule has been absorbed or encapsulated. In certain embodiments, where an implantation device is used, the device may be implanted into any suitable tissue or organ, and delivery of the desired molecule may be via diffusion, timed-release bolus, and/or continuous administration.

In certain embodiments, it may be desirable to use a pharmaceutical composition comprising a RANKL antibody-PTH/PTHrP chimeric molecule, with or without at least one additional therapeutic agent, in an ex vivo manner. In such instances, cells, tissues, and/or organs that have been removed from the patient are exposed to a pharmaceutical composition comprising a RANKL antibody-PTH/PTHrP chimeric molecule, with or without at least one additional therapeutic agent, after which the cells, tissues, and/or organs are subsequently implanted back into the patient.

In certain embodiments, a RANKL antibody-PTH/PTHrP chimeric molecule can be delivered by implanting certain cells that have been genetically engineered. In certain embodiments, one or more additional therapeutic agents can be delivered by implanting certain cells that have been genetically engineered. Methods of implantation include, but are not limited to, methods described herein and other methods known in the art. In certain embodiments, implanted genetically engineered cells express and secrete a particular molecule. In certain embodiments, such cells may be animal or human cells, and may be autologous, heterologous, or xenogeneic. In certain embodiments, the cells may be immortalized. In certain embodiments, in order to decrease the chance of an immunological response, the cells may be encapsulated to avoid infiltration of surrounding tissues. In certain embodiments, the encapsulation materials are typically biocompatible, semipermeable polymeric enclosures or membranes that allow the release of the polypeptide product(s) but prevent the destruction of the cells by the patient's immune system or by other detrimental factors from the surrounding tissues.

EXAMPLES

The following examples, including the experiments conducted and results achieved are provided for illustrative purposes only and are not to be construed as limiting the present invention.

Example 1 Preparing synPTH-αRANKL-1 Light Chain Expression Plasmid

A synthetic oligonucleotide having the sequence shown in FIG. 7 (SEQ ID NO: 5) was obtained from Picoscript (Houston, Tex.). That oligonucleotide sequence contains a 5′ XbaI restriction site (TCTAGA) followed by a Kozak sequence (CCACC), which are shown in bold in FIG. 7. The oligonucleotide sequence also contains a synthetic coding sequence for the first 65 amino acids of human preproparathyroid protein (prepropTH). See, e.g., Genbank accession no. CAA23843. The first 65 amino acids of human prepropTH contains a prepro domain and amino acids 1-34 of the human PTH modulating domain. The oligonucleotide sequence also contains a coding sequence for a helical linker sequence, GGGAP. That linker coding sequence also contains a BSSHII restriction site (GCGCGC). The synthetic oligonucleotide was cloned into plasmid pCR4.0-TOPO by Picoscript prior to delivery (oligo-pCR4.0 TOPO). Oligo-pCR4.0 TOPO was digested with XbaI and BssHII restriction endonucleases to release the synPTH coding sequence. The synPTH coding sequence was separated by agarose gel electrophoresis and purified using a QIAquick® Gel Extraction Kit (Qiagen).

The αRANKL-1 (also called αOPGL-1) light chain was amplified from αRANKL-1-kappa/pDSRα19 plasmid (also called αOPGL-1-kappa/pDSRα19, described in PCT Publication No. WO 03/002713), as follows. Ten ng of αRANKL-1-kappa/pDSRα19 plasmid DNA was used in a PCR reaction using Pfu polymerase (Stratagene). The following primers were included in the reaction:

5′ αRANKL-1 kappa BssHII primer (SEQ ID NO: 214):             BssHII            G   A   P   E   I   V   L   T   Q 5′-AA CTT GGC GCG CCC GAA ATT GTG TTG ACG CAG-3′; 3′ human kappa constant region primer (SEQ ID NO: 215): 5′-CTT GTC GAC TCA ACA CTC TCC CCT GTT GAA GCT          SalI   *   C   E   G   R   N   F   S C-3′

The PCR reaction generated a 671 base pair PCR product, which encodes the amino acid sequence of αRANKL-1 light chain with 3 amino acids (GAP) of the linker sequence on the N-terminus. The 671 base pair PCR product was separated by agarose gel electrophoresis and purified using a QIAquick® Gel Extraction Kit (Qiagen). After purification, the 671 base pair PCR product was digested with BssHII and Sail, separated by agarose gel electrophoresis, and then purified using a QIAquick® Gel Extraction Kit (Qiagen). The purified fragment is referred to herein as αRANKL-1 kappa+ linker coding sequence.

The purified synPTH coding sequence and the purified αRANKL-1 kappa+ linker coding sequence were ligated overnight at 4° C. using T4 ligase (New England Biolabs) in the manufacturer's recommended buffer into plasmid pDSRα20 that had been previously digested with XbaI and SalI. pDSRα20 was produced from pDSRα19 (see PCT Publication No. WO 90/14363) by mutating a guanosine at position 2563 to an adenosine by site-directed mutagenesis. The ligation products were transformed into competent TOP10 cells (Invitrogen) and the cells were selected for ampicillin resistance. Plasmid from positive clones was isolated and the insert verified by DNA sequencing. The sequence of the insert is shown in FIG. 9 (SEQ ID NO: 7). That sequence encodes a polypeptide having the amino acid sequence shown in FIG. 10 (SEQ ID NO: 8), which is referred to as “synPTH-αRANKL-1 kappa” or “synPTH-αRANKL-1 light chain.” That polypeptide with a polypeptide having the amino acid sequence of FIG. 2 (SEQ ID NO: 2) are together referred to as “synPTH-αRANKL-1 light chain fusion” or “synPTH-αRANKL-1 LCF”.

A schematic diagram of expression vector synPTH-αRANKL-1-kappa pDSRα20 is shown in FIG. 13. The expression vector has 5326 base pairs and contains the functional regions shown in Table 5.

TABLE 5 Features of synPTH-αRANKL-1-kappa/pDSRα20 Plasmid location (base pairs) Region Description  2 to 886 A transcription termination/polyadenylation signal from the α-subunit of the bovine pituitary glycoprotein hormone (α-FSH) (Goodwin, et al., 1983, Nucleic Acids Res. 11: 6873-82; Genbank Accession Number X00004)  887 to 2027 A mouse dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) minigene containing the endogenous mouse DHFR promoter, the cDNA coding sequences, and the DHFR transcription termination/polyadenylation signals (Gasser et al, 1982, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 79: 6522-6; Nunberg et al., 1980, Cell 19: 355-64; Setzer et al., 1982, J. Biol. Chem. 257: 5143-7; McGrogan et al., 1985, J. Biol. Chem. 260: 2307-14) 2036 to 3952 pBR322 sequences containing the ampicillin resistance marker gene and the origin for replication of the plasmid in E. coli (Genbank Accession Number J01749) 3954 to 4297 An SV40 early promoter, enhancer and origin of replication (Takebe et al., 1988, Mol. Cell Biol. 8: 466-72, Genbank Accession Number J02400) 4305 to 4570 A translational enhancer element from the HTLV-1 LTR domain (Seiki et al., 1983, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 80: 3618-22, Genbank Accession Number J02029) 4579 to 4735 An intron from the SV40 16S, 19S splice donor/acceptor signals (Okayama and Berg, 1983. Mol. Cell Biol. 3: 280-9, Genbank Accession Number J02400) 4750 to 5619 The synPTH-αRANKL-1-kappa cDNA between the XbaI and SalI sites

Example 2 Preparing synPTH-αRANKL-1 Heavy Chain Expression Plasmid

The synPTH coding sequence was prepared as described above in Example 1.

The αRANKL-1 (also called αOPGL-1) heavy chain was amplified from αRANKL-1-IgG2/pDSRα19 plasmid (also called αOPGL-1-IgG2/pDSRα19, described in PCT Publication No. WO 03/002713) as follows. Ten ng of αRANKL-1-IgG2/pDSRα19 plasmid DNA was used in a PCR reaction using Pfu polymerase (Stratagene). The following primers were included in the reaction:

5′ αRANKL-1 IgG2 BssHII primer (SEQ ID NO: 216):             BssRII            G   A   P   E   V   Q   L   L   E 5′-AA CTT GGC GCG CCC GAG GTG CAG CTG TTG GAG-3′ 3′ human IgG2 constant region primer (SEQ ID NO: 217): 5′-G CAT GTC GAC TCA TTT ACC CGG AGA CAG GGA            SalI   *   K   G   P   S   L   S  GAG-3′  L

The PCR reaction generated a 1372 base pair PCR product, which encodes the amino acid sequence of αRANKL-1 heavy chain with 3 amino acids (GAP) of the linker sequence on the N-terminus. The 1372 base pair PCR product was separated by agarose gel electrophoresis and purified using a QIAquick® Gel Extraction Kit (Qiagen). After purification, the 1372 base pair PCR product was digested with BssHII and Sail, separated by agarose gel electrophoresis, and then purified using a QIAquick® Gel Extraction Kit (Qiagen). The purified fragment is referred to herein as αRANKL-1 IgG2+ linker coding sequence.

The purified synPTH coding sequence and the purified αRANKL-1 IgG2+ linker coding sequence were ligated overnight at 40° C. using T4 ligase (New England Biolabs) in the manufacturer's recommended buffer into plasmid pDSRα20 that had been previously digested with XbaI and SalI. The ligation products were transformed into competent TOP10 cells (Invitrogen) and the cells were selected for ampicillin resistance. Plasmid from positive clones was isolated and the insert verified by DNA sequencing. The DNA sequence of the insert is shown in FIG. 11 (SEQ ID NO: 9) and the polypeptide encoded by the DNA sequence of FIG. 11 has the amino acid sequence shown in FIG. 12 (SEQ ID NO: 10). The polypeptide is referred to as “synPTH-αRANKL-1 IgG2” or “synPTH-αRANKL-1 heavy chain.” That polypeptide, along with a polypeptide having the amino acid sequence of FIG. 4 (SEQ ID NO: 4) are together referred to as “synPTH-αRANKL-1 heavy chain fusion” or “synPTH-αRANKL-1 HCF.”

A schematic diagram of expression vector synPTH-αRANKL-1-IgG2 pDSRα20 is shown in FIG. 14. The expression vector has 6323 base pairs and contains the functional regions shown in Table 6.

TABLE 6 Features of synPTH-αRANKL-1-IgG2/pDSRα20 Plasmid location (base pairs) Region Description  2 to 886 A transcription termination/polyadenylation signal from the α-subunit of the bovine pituitary glycoprotein hormone (α-FSH) (Goodwin, et al., 1983, Nucleic Acids Res. 11: 6873-82; Genbank Accession Number X00004)  887 to 2027 A mouse dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) minigene containing the endogenous mouse DHFR promoter, the cDNA coding sequences, and the DHFR transcription termination/polyadenylation signals (Gasser et al, 1982, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 79: 6522-6; Nunberg et al., 1980, Cell 19: 355-64; Setzer et al., 1982, J. Biol. Chem. 257: 5143-7; McGrogan et al., 1985, J. Biol. Chem. 260: 2307-14) 2036 to 3952 pBR322 sequences containing the ampicillin resistance marker gene and the origin for replication of the plasmid in E. coli (Genbank Accession Number J01749) 3954 to 4297 An SV40 early promoter, enhancer and origin of replication (Takebe et al., 1988, Mol. Cell Biol. 8: 466-72, Genbank Accession Number J02400) 4305 to 4570 A translational enhancer element from the HTLV-1 LTR domain (Seiki et al., 1983, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 80: 3618-22, Genbank Accession Number J02029) 4579 to 4735 An intron from the SV40 16S, 19S splice donor/acceptor signals (Okayama and Berg, 1983. Mol. Cell Biol. 3: 280-9, Genbank Accession Number J02400) 4750 to 6318 The synPTH-αRANKL-1-IgG2 cDNA between the XbaI and SalI sites

Example 3 Expression of synPTH-αRANKL-1 Expression in Chinese Hamster Ovary (CHO) Cells

For expression of synPTH-αRANKL-1 heavy chain fusion, dihydrofolate reductase deficient (DHFR-) serum-free adapted CHO AM-1/D (described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,210,924) cells were co-transfected with synPTH-αRANKL-1-IgG2 pDSRα20 and αRANKL-1-kappa/pDSRα19 (also called αOPGL-1-kappa/pDSRα19; see PCT Publication No. WO 03/002713) using the calcium phosphate method. For expression of synPTH-αRANKL-1 light chain fusion, dihydrofolate reductase deficient (DHFR-) serum-free adapted CHO AM-1/D cells were co-transfected with synPTH-αRANKL-1-kappa pDSRα20 and αRANKL-1-IgG2/pDSRα19 (also called αOPGL-1-IgG2/pDSRα19; see PCT Publication No. WO 03/002713) using the calcium phosphate method.

Expression of each of the synPTH-αRANKL-1 heavy chain fusion and the synPTH-αRANKL-1 light chain fusion was carried out as follows. Transfected cells were plated in 10 cm plates and selected in DMEM media supplemented with 1× non-essential amino acids, 1× penicillin, streptomycin, glutamine, and 1× sodium pyruvate (Invitrogen) and containing dialyzed fetal bovine serum (Invitrogen) and lacking hypoxanthine-thymidine to select for cells expressing the DHFR enzyme. After two weeks of selection with media changes every three to four days, surviving colonies were combined into a master pool of transfected clones. An aliquot of the conditioned media from the master pool of transfected cells was screened by western blot to confirm expression of the secreted synPTH-αRANKL-1 light chain chimeric molecule and/or the secreted synPTH-αRANKL-1 heavy chain chimeric molecule. The master pool of transfected cells was grown for two to three weeks, with splitting and media changes, in T175 flasks and used to seed 800 cm² roller bottles at 2×107 cells per roller bottle. After two days, the cells were washed with 1×PBS and transferred to serum-free media. The cells were grown for one week to condition the media. Two to three harvests of serum-free medium conditioned for seven days were combined and used for purification of recombinant protein.

Expression in 293T Cells

For expression of synPTH-αRANKL-1 heavy+light chain fusion (also called synPTH-αRANKL-1 HC+LCF), 293T cells that had been adapted to growth in serum-free media were co-transfected with synPTH-αRANKL-1-IgG2 pDSRα20 and synPTH-αRANKL-1-kappa pDSRα20. Transfections were carried out in 500 mL or 1 L cultures as follows. The cell inoculum (5×105 cells/mL×culture volume) was centrifuged at 2500 rpm for 10 minutes at 4° C. to remove conditioned medium. The cells were resuspended in serum-free DMEM (Invitrogen) and centrifuged again at 2500 rpm for 10 minutes at 4° C. After aspirating the wash solution, the cells were resuspended in growth medium (DMEM/F12 at a ratio of 3:1, supplemented with 1× Insulin-Transferrin-Selenium Supplement, 1× Penicillin, Streptomycin, Glutamine, 2 mM L-Glutamine, 20 mM HEPES, 0.01% Pluronic F68) in a 1 L or 3 L spinner flask. The spinner flask culture was maintained with 125 rpm stirring in a humidified incubator at 37° C. and 5% CO2.

Plasmid DNA was complexed with the transfection reagent (X-TremeGene RO-1539; Roche) in a 50 mL conical tube as follows. One μg of plasmid DNA per mL culture was added to 5% of the final culture volume of serum-free DMEM, followed by 1 μL X-TremeGene RO-1539 (Roche) per mL of culture. The DNA/transfection reagent complex was incubated at room temperature for approximately 30 minutes and then added to the cells in the spinner flask; The transfection/expression was performed over seven days, after which the conditioned medium was harvested by centrifugation at 4000 rpm for 60 minutes at 4° C.

Example 4 Purification of synPTH-αRANKL-1

SynPTH-αRANKL-1 heavy chain fusion (comprising synPTH fused to a αRANKL-1 heavy chain (SEQ ID NO: 10) and αRANKL-1 light chain (SEQ ID NO: 4)), synPTH-αRANKL-1 light chain fusion (comprising synPTH fused to a αRANKL-1 light chain (SEQ ID NO: 8) and αRANKL-1 heavy chain (SEQ ID NO: 2)), or synPTH-αRANKL-1 heavy+light chain fusion (comprising synPTH fused to a αRANKL-1 heavy chain (SEQ ID NO: 10) and synPTH fused to a αRANKL-1 light chain (SEQ ID NO: 8)) were purified from the host cells as follows. All purification processes were carried out at room temperature.

Purification of synPTH-αRANKL-1 Heavy Chain Fusion and synPTH-αRANKL-1 Light Chain Fusion

The host cell culture fluid (CCF) from CHO cell expression of synPTH-αRANKL-1 heavy chain fusion and synPTH-αRANKL-1 light chain fusion were separately centrifuged in a Beckman JS-4.2 rotor at 3500 rpm for 1 hour at 4° C. to remove cell debris. The CCF supernatant was then filtered through a sterile 0.2 μm filter. In some instances, the filtered CCF supernatant was then concentrated by tangential flow ultrafiltration using a 10 kD or a 30 kD molecular weight cut-off membrane. The CCF supernatant was then loaded onto a Protein A column (Amersham/Pharmacia) equilibrated in PBS. After loading, the column was washed with PBS until the absorbance at 280 nm of the flow-through returned to baseline. The synPTH-αRANKL-1 was eluted from the column using 20 mM acetic acid, 10 mM sodium chloride, pH 3.2. The absorbance at 280 nm of the eluate was monitored and fractions containing protein were collected. The fractionation tubes contained 20 μl of 1M Tris base, pH 11 per 1 ml of eluate.

The synPTH-αRANKL-1 eluted from the Protein A column was adjusted to pH 5.0 with 50% acetic acid and then loaded directly onto a cation exchange column (SPHP chromatography resin, Amersham/Pharmacia) that was equilibrated with 20 mM acetate, pH 5.0. After loading, the column was washed with 20 mM acetate, pH 5.0. The synPTH-αRANKL-1 was then eluted using a linear gradient of 0 M sodium chloride to 0.5 M sodium chloride in 20 mM acetate, pH 5.0. The absorbance at 280 nm of the eluate was monitored and the eluted synPTH-αRANKL-1 was collected in fractions. The fractions were assayed by Coomassie-stained SDS-PAGE to identify fractions containing a polypeptide that migrated at the predicted size of the synPTH-αRANKL-1.

The fractions containing synPTH-αRANKL-1 heavy chain fusion or synPTH-αRANKL-1 light chain fusion were pooled separately, filtered through a 0.2μ. Posidyne filter, aliquoted, and then stored at 4° C. in 20 mM sodium acetate, 350 mM sodium chloride, pH 5.0.

Purification of synPTH-αRANKL-1 Heavy+Light Chain Fusion

The host cell culture fluid (CCF) from 293T cell expression of synPTH-αRANKL-1 heavy+light chain fusion was centrifuged in a Beckman JS-4.2 rotor at 3500 rpm for 1 hour at 4° C. to remove cell debris. The CCF supernatant was then filtered through a sterile 0.2 μm filter. In some instances, the filtered CCF supernatant was concentrated by tangential flow ultrafiltration using a 10 kD or a 30 kD molecular weight cut-off membrane. The CCF supernatant was then loaded onto a Protein A column (Amersham/Pharmacia) equilibrated in PBS. After loading, the column was washed with PBS until the absorbance at 280 nm of the flow-through returned to baseline. The synPTH-αRANKL-1 heavy+light chain fusion was eluted from the column using 20 mM acetic acid, 10 mM sodium chloride, pH 3.2. The absorbance at 280 nm of the eluate was monitored and fractions containing protein were collected.

The fractions containing synPTH-αRANKL-1 heavy+light chain fusion were pooled, adjusted to pH 5.0 with 1M Tris base pH 11, filtered through a 0.2μ Posidyne filter, aliquoted, and stored at 4° C. in 20 mM sodium acetate, 10 mM sodium chloride, pH 5.0.

Example 5 synPTH-αRANKL-1 Heavy Chain Fusion Activity

Human RANKL “knockin” mice (huRANKL mice) were generated as described below.

Identification of Murine BAC Clone Containing RANKL

Oligo Primer Analysis Software, Version 5.0 (Wojciech & Piotr Rychlik, Plymouth, Minn.) was used to generate 2 sets of primer pairs to exon 5 of murine RANKL (Primer Sets A & B) as well as one set of primer pairs spanning exons 3 and 4 of murine RANKL (Primer Set C). Primer Set A (2699-81 and 2699-82) generates a 259 base pair PCR product. Primer Set B (2699-83 and 2699-84) generates a 326 base pair PCR product while Primer Set C (2699-86 and 2699-87) generates a 273 base pair product.

Primer Set A: (SEQ ID NO: 218) 2699-81: GCA TCA TGA AAC ATC GGG AAG C (SEQ ID NO: 219) 2699-82: CCC AAA GTA CGT CGC ATC TTG A Primer Set B: (SEQ ID NO: 220) 2699-83: GTT AAG CAA CGG AAA ACT AAG G (SEQ ID NO: 221) 2699-84: CAA AGT ACG TCG CAT CTT GAT Primer Set C: (SEQ ID NO: 222) 2699-86: GCA AGG TAG GGT TCA ACT GA (SEQ ID NO: 223) 2699-87: GTC CTG TAT GGG TGG TAG TCT T

Primers were tested using ES cell DNA to confirm that each primer pair amplified a band of the predicted size. Primer Set A was used to screen the Down-to-the-Well Mouse ES BAC DNA Pools-Release I (Genome Systems, Inc., St. Louis, Mo.), a library that represents three genomic equivalents. This library is contained in 240 microtiter dishes and the clones in these dishes have been pooled to allow for identification of an individual clone by performing three sequential rounds of PCR. Initially, the 24 “upper pools”, each consisting of DNA from 10 microtiter plates, as well as negative controls (water and irrelevant DNA) were amplified using Primer Sets A, B, and C. PCR and thermocycling was performed using standard recombinant DNA technology. An aliquot of each PCR reaction was run on a 2% Agarose/TAE gel. Pool 18, corresponding to microtiter plates 171-180, was identified as being strongly positive with all 3 primer sets. Individual plate pools for microtiter plates 171-180 were then amplified, identifying plate pool 172 as the positive plate. Down-to-the-Well pools amplified using Primer Set A identified well G10 as the location on plate 172 for the BAC clone desired. Clone Mu ES BAC DNA 172G10 was obtained from Genome Systems. PCR reactions with Primer Sets A, B and C gave distinct bands confirming that this clone contained the desired region of murine RANKL.

RANKL Knock-in Vector

A 1.4 kb DNA fragment with homology to the 3′ region of exon 5 of the mouse RANKL genomic locus was generated by PCR amplification using Pfu Turbo Hotstart DNA Polymerase (Stratagene), the Mu ES BAC DNA 172G10 and the following primers:

(SEQ ID NO: 224) 2796-94: ATTGCGATCGCGTTACTGGGAGAAGTGCAGATTT (SEQ ID NO: 225) 2796-95: AATGGCGCGCCCATAGCGTAGCGTTCATTATCCT

The resulting PCR fragment contained an Sgfl restriction enzyme site at the 5′ end and an Ascl restriction enzyme site at the 3′ end. The PCR fragment was digested with Sgfl and Ascl. Vector pAMGENKO3 (Amgen proprietary vector) was also digested with Sgfl and Ascl. The digested PCR fragment and the large fragment of the digested pAMGENKO3 vector were gel purified using Gel Purification Kit (Qiagen). The purified PCR fragment was ligated into the purified large fragment of pAMGENKO3 and transformed into Electro Max DH10B competent E. coli cells (Invitrogen). Ten colonies were picked and grown for 4 hours on LB plates containing ampicillin. The bacteria were directly screened by PCR analysis for short arm positive colonies using the 2796-94 and 2796-95 primers and Taq polymerase (PerkinElmer). Plasmid DNA from short arm positive colonies was prepared using a Spin Miniprep Kit (Qiagen). Diagnostic restriction enzyme analysis was conducted on prepared plasmid DNA using Sgfl and Ascl enzymes. A plasmid that was positive in both the short arm PCR analysis and the diagnostic restriction enzyme analysis was selected and labeled pAMGENKO3-OPGL-SA.

A 4.9 kb DNA fragment with homology to the intron between exon 4 and exon 5 of the mouse RANKL genomic locus was generated by PCR amplification using Advantage HF 2 PCR kit (BD Biosciences Clontech), clone Mu ES BAC DNA 172G10, and primers:

2802-13: ATTGCGGCCGCAGTGGACTTACTCAAACCTTCT 2802-12: ACCCGCTCGAGGATACTAGTGATGGAGCAACATG

The resulting PCR fragment contained a NotI restriction enzyme site at the 5′ end and an XhoI restriction enzyme site at the 3′ end. The PCR fragment and pAMGENKO3-OPGL-SA were separately digested with NotI and XhoI. The digested PCR fragment and the large fragment of the digested pAMGENKO3-OPGL-SA were then separately gel purified using Qiagen Gel Purification Kit. The purified PCR fragment was ligated into the purified large fragment of pAMGENKO3-OPGL-SA and transformed into Electro Max DH10B competent E. coli cells. Sixty-four colonies were picked and grown for 4 hours on LB plates containing ampicillin. The bacteria were directly screened for the presence of the long arm by PCR analysis using Taq polymerase with primers:

(SEQ ID NO: 226) 2797-56: TGCAATCTGCGCCTCAGTCTTC (SEQ ID NO: 227) 2797-57: ATTTCTCACCGTCGGCATCTCC

Plasmid DNA from long arm positive colonies was prepared using a Spin Miniprep Kit (Qiagen). Diagnostic restriction enzyme analysis on the prepared plasmid DNA was then conducted using NotI and XhoI enzymes. A plasmid that was positive in both the long arm PCR analysis and the diagnostic restriction enzyme analysis was selected and labeled pAMGENKO3-OPGL-SA-LA.

The 0.25 kb mouse RANKL fragment with a BstZ171 restriction site (engineered in the 5′ end for long arm screening) was generated by PCR amplification using Pfu Turbo Hotstart DNA Polymerase, clone Mu ES BAC DNA 172G10, and primers:

(SEQ ID NO: 228) 2796-88: ATTCTCGAGGTATACCTATAGCTTAAGGGCAGGATAGA (SEQ ID NO: 229) 2796-89: CTTTATGGGAACCTAGAGAGAAAC

The 0.41 kb coding region of exon 5 of human RANKL was generated by PCR amplification from human cDNA using Pfu Turbo Hotstart DNA Polymerase and primers:

(SEQ ID NO: 230) 2796-90: TCTAGGTTCCCATAAAGTGAGTCTGT (SEQ ID NO: 231) 2796-91: TTCCACGAAATGAGTCTCAATCTATATCTCGAACTTTAAAA

Since the 0.25 kb mouse RANKL fragment overlaps with the 0.41 kb human RANKL exon 5 fragment, a larger 0.66 kb fragment was generated using primers (2796-88 and 2796-91) and Pfu Turbo Hotstart DNA Polymerase. A 1.24 kb mouse 3′ untranslated region of exon 5 of RANKL was generated by PCR amplification using Pfu Turbo Hotstart DNA Polymerase, clone Mu ES BAC DNA 172G10, and primers:

(SEQ ID NO: 232) 2796-92: GTTCGAGATATAGATTGAGACTCATTTCGTGGAACATTA (SEQ ID NO: 233) 2796-93: ATTGGCCGGCCCTTTGGAGAAAGATAGAAGCCAC

Since the 1.24 kb PCR fragment overlaps with the 0.66 kb PCR fragment, a larger 1.9 kb chimeric knock-in fragment was generated by PCR with Pfu Turbo Hotstart DNA Polymerase and the primers 2796-88 and 2796-93. The amplified PCR fragment contained an XhoI restriction enzyme site at the 5′ end and an FseI restriction enzyme site at the 3′ end. The PCR fragment and pAMGENKO3-OPGL-SA-LA were separately digested with NotI and XhoI. The digested PCR fragment and the large fragment of the digested pAMGENKO3-OPGL-SA-LA were separately gel purified using Qiagen Gel Purification Kit. The purified PCR fragment was ligated to the purified large fragment and transformed into Electro Max DH10B competent E. coli cells (Invitrogen). Twenty colonies were picked from the ligation reaction and grown for 4 hours on LB plates containing ampicillin. The bacteria were directly screened by PCR with primers.

(SEQ ID NO: 234) 2817-87: CCAACATGACTTTTAGCAATG (SEQ ID NO: 235) 2797-55: TCCTCTCCAGACCGTAACTTA

Plasmids from PCR positive colonies were prepared using Miniprep Kit (Qiagen). Restriction enzyme digestion with XhoI and FseI followed by electrophoresis on a 1% agarose gel was used to confirm the presence of the insert. Positive DNAs were confirmed by sequencing. The final knock-in targeting vector was called pAMGENKO3-OPGL-KI.

A large plasmid preparation of the pAMGENKO3-OPGL-KI targeting construct was prepared using Qiagen plasmid Mega kit. Two hundred micrograms of pAMGENKO3-OPGL-KI was linearized with NotI and then purified by adding half a volume of 7.5 M ammonium acetate and one volume of phenol/chloroform (GIBCO BRL), vortexing to mix, and centrifuging for 5 minutes at 10,000 rpm. The aqueous layer was transferred to a clean tube and one volume of chloroform (GIBCO BRL) was added. The mixture was then vortexed to mix and centrifuged for 2 minutes at 10,000 rpm. The aqueous layer was transferred to a clean tube and 2.5 volumes of 100% ethanol was added. The solution was then mixed by inverting the tube several times and centrifuging for 10 minutes at 10,000 rpm. The supernatant was removed and the pelleted DNA at the bottom of the tube was washed with 70% ethanol and resuspended in 10 mM Tris-HCL and 1 mM EDTA, pH 8.0 buffer.

Embryonic Stem Cell Targeting and Generation of Knockin Mice

GS-1 Embryonic Stem (ES) cells (129SvJ; Genome Systems) were grown in Dulbecco's modified Eagle medium (DMEM) (Invitrogen) supplemented with 15% Fetal Bovine Serum (FBS) (Hyclone), 100 μg/ml penicillin/streptomycin (Invitrogen), 2 mM glutamine (Invitrogen), 10³ units/ml leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) (Chemicon), 0.1 mM NEAA (Life Technologies), and 0.1 μM 2-mercaptoethanol (Life Technologies). Mouse embryonic fibroblast (MEF) feeder cells were grown in Dulbecco's modified Eagle medium (DMEM) (Invitrogen) supplemented with 10% Fetal Bovine Serum (FBS) (Hyclone), 100 μg/ml penicillin/streptomycin (Invitrogen), and 2 mM glutamine (Invitrogen). MEFs were derived from explanted day 13-14 fetuses of neomycin-resistant mice. Prior to use as feeder layers for ES cells, MEFs were inactivated by treatment with 10 μg/ml mitomycin C (Roche) for 2-3 hours. Both MEFs and ES cells were grown at 37° C., 5% CO₂.

For targeting, 10⁷ GS-1 ES cells (129SvJ; Genome Systems) were mixed with 25 μg of linearized pAMGENKO3-OPGL-KI and electroporated at 250 V, 500 μF with a Bio-Rad Gene Pulser. Transfected clones were selected in G418 (210 μg/ml active ingredient) (Invitrogen) and FIAU (0.2 μM final concentration) (Moravek) on neomycin-resistant MEF feeder cells. After 7 days of selection, clones were picked, trypsinized, and plated in 96 wells in triplicate. Two sets of plates were frozen in freezing medium consisting of 10% DMSO (Sigma), 10% FBS, and DMEM. The wells were then covered with a layer of sterile mineral oil (Sigma) and the sealed plates were placed in Styrofoam boxes for freezing at −80° C. The third set of plates was used for PCR and Southern analyses. The cells were rinsed with PBS and incubated at 60° C. overnight in lysis buffer (10 mM Tris, 10 mM EDTA, 10 mM NaCl, 0.5% sarcosyl, and 1 mg/ml proteinase K). DNA was precipitated from the plates using 7.5 M NH₄OAc, followed by 70% ethanol washes, and finally resuspended in TE pH 8.0.

To screen for homologous recombination in the short arm side, DNAs from ES cell clones were screened using Expand High Fidelity PCR Kit (Roche) with one PCR primer annealing in the neomycin resistance cassette and one PCR primer annealing in the genomic region outside the short arm:

(SEQ ID NO: 236) 2818-35: GATCTCTCGTGGGATCATTGTT (SEQ ID NO: 237) 2818-36: AACCCACTTAGAAGATGCTGCT

In addition, the presence of the human RANKL exon 5 was assessed by PCR using primers 2817-87 and 2797-55. For PCR positive DNAs, Southern Blot analysis was used to confirm homologous recombination on the long arm side as follows. Genomic DNAs were digested with BstZ171 (New England Biolabs) overnight and resolved by electrophoresis on a 0.9% agarose gel in 1×TAE buffer overnight (the wild type allele produces a 16 kb fragment versus a 12 kb fragment for the targeted allele). The gel was denatured twice by treatment with 0.5 M NaOH/1.5 M NaCl for 15 minutes and then neutralized twice by treatment with 0.5 M Tris-HCl pH 7.0/1.5 M NaCl for 15 minutes. Digested DNAs were then transferred to a Nytran SuperCharge Nylon membrane (Schleicher & Schuell) in 20×SSC overnight using a Rapid Downward Transfer Systems (Schleicher & Schuell) and then crosslinked using a UV Stratalinker 2400 (Stratagene). The membrane was prehybridized with Express Hybridization Solution (Clontech) at 60° C. for 3 hours and transferred to Express Hybridization buffer containing 1.5×10⁶ cpm/ml radiolabeled long arm probe at 60° C. for 3 hours. The probe was labeled with α³²P dCTP (3000 Ci/mmol, Amersham) using a random primer labeling kit (Amersham) and purified with a Sephadex G-50 Quick Spin Column (cat. #1273965, Roche). The hybridization membrane was washed once with 2×SSC and 0.1% SDS, at room temperature for 15 minutes, then washed once with 0.1×SSC and 0.1% SDS at 60° C. for 20 minutes. The hybridization membrane was then exposed to imaging film for several days (depending on the strength of the signal). Wild type allele was represented as a 16 kb band on a Southern Blot, while the targeted allele was a 12 kb band.

After ES clones that had undergone homologous recombination were identified by PCR and Southern blot analyses, previously frozen stocks (described above) were thawed and injected into 2.5 day C57BV/6 (Taconic) blastocysts. The injected blastocysts were then introduced into pseudopregnant females and germ line transmitting chimeras were identified. Offspring of these chimeras were genotyped by PCR to identify mice that were heterozygous for the targeting event and these heterozygous mice were subsequently bred to each other to obtain homozygous knock-in mice.

Screening for Heterozygous and Homozygous Knock-in Mice

Tail DNAs from the mice were isolated using DNeasy Kit (Qiagen) and screened by PCR using puRetaq Ready-to-G0 PCR Beads (Amersham) using the following primers:

(SEQ ID NO: 238) 3151-52: CATGGAACTTGGGAGTGACTTT (SEQ ID NO: 239) 3151-53: TCAAGGTTCTCAGTGGCACAT

The PCR product was purified using Qiaquick PCR Purification (Qiagen) and cut with BstZ171. The resulting fragments were resolved on a 1% percent agarose gel with the wild type allele represented as 1.5 kb band and the targeted allele represented as 0.9 kb and 0.6 kb bands. Therefore, a 1.5 kb band only represents a wild type mouse, a mixture of 0.9 kb and 0.6 kb bands represents a homozygous knock-in mouse, and a mixture of 1.5 kb, 0.9 kb, and 0.6 kb bands represents a heterozygous mouse.

Biological Activity of synPTH-αRANKL-1 Heavy Chain Fusion

The activity of synPTH-αRANKL-1 heavy chain fusion was determined in mice as follows.

Protocol

Ten month old female human RANKL knock-in mice (huRANKL mice) and wild-type mice were used for the study (n=6 per group). The huRANKL mice were injected subcutaneously (SC) at the neck with vehicle (PBS), human PTH(1-34) (100 μg/kg, 5 days/week), αRANKL-1 (2 or 10 mg/kg, once/week; αRANKL-1 comprises a heavy chain having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 2 and a light chain having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 4; also called αOPGL-1, see PCT Publication No. WO 03/002713), or synPTH-αRANKL-1 heavy chain fusion (2 or 10 mg/kg, once/week). Wild-type mice were treated with vehicle (PBS) or with synPTH-αRANKL-1 heavy chain fusion (2 mg/kg, once/week). PTH(1-34) was diluted into 0.001N HCl, 0.15M NaCl and 2% bovine serum albumin, and αRANKL-1 and synPTH-αRANKL-1 were diluted into PBS.

Bone mineral density was analyzed at baseline (prior to initiation of treatment) and then at weeks 1, 2, and 3 after the treatment. Blood samples were also collected at baseline, and at 2, 6, 24, 48, and 72 hours, and then weekly thereafter. The blood samples were used for whole blood ionized calcium analysis, osteocalcin analysis, and TRAP-5b analysis. At the end of the study, tibiae were collected for dynamic and static histomorphometry. All animals were housed in filter-top cages with food and water ad libitum on a 12-hour light dark cycle.

Biochemical Markers of Bone Turnover

Blood ionized calcium was determined at baseline, and at 2 hours, 6 hours, 24 hours, 48 hours, and 72 hours after treatment as follows. Mice were anesthetized with isofulrane (Abbott Laboratories, North Chicago, Ill.) and blood samples were collected retro-orbitally into heparinized capillary tubes (Fisher Scientific). Whole blood ionized calcium levels were determined using a Model 634 Ca⁺⁺/pH Analyzer (Chiron Diagnostics, Norwood, Mass.) before treatment (baseline) and on days 3 and 5. The measured calcium levels were adjusted to account for the variations in pH from pH 7.1.

FIG. 15 shows ionized calcium levels (mmol/L) in huRANKL mice treated with vehicle (PBS), 100 μg/kg human PTH(1-34) 5× per week, 2 mg/kg αRANKL-1 weekly, 10 mg/kg αRANKL-1 weekly, 2 mg/kg synPTH-αRANKL-1 heavy chain fusion weekly, or 10 mg/kg synPTH-αRANKL-1 heavy chain fusion weekly. In that experiment, blood ionized calcium levels in huRANKL mice increased significantly in response to 5× per week PTH(1-34) injections. Weekly injections of either 2 mg/kg or 10 mg/kg αRANKL-1 caused a slight reduction in blood ionized calcium levels in huRANKL mice, which is consistent with an antiresorptive effect of αRANKL-1. Weekly injections of 2 mg/kg synPTH-αRANKL-1 heavy chain fusion caused modest hypercalcemia. Weekly injections of 10 mg/kg synPTH-αRANKL-1 heavy chain fusion caused slightly greater hypercalcemia, but not greater that the hypercalcemia observed with 5× per week human PTH(1-34) injections.

FIG. 15 also shows ionized calcium levels in wild type mice treated with vehicle or with 2 mg/kg synPTH-αRANKL-1 heavy chain fusion weekly. αRANKL-1 antibody does not neutralize murine RANKL, so synPTH-αRANKL-1 heavy chain fusion is expected to behave like PTH alone. Indeed, in that experiment, 2 mg/kg synPTH-αRANKL-1 heavy chain fusion caused significantly greater hypercalcemia in wild type mice compared to a similar dose in huRANKL mice. Those results suggest that the RANKL-neutralizing effects of αRANKL-1 were important for controlling bone catabolism and reducing hypercalcemia in synPTH-αRANKL-1 heavy chain fusion treated mice

Serum TRAP-5b levels were measured at baseline, 1 week, 2 weeks, and 3 weeks to assess the effect of the various treatments on bone resorption, as follows. Blood was collected at each time point from isofulrane anesthetized mice retro-orbitally into Microtainer® serum separator tubes (Becton Dickinson, Franklin Lakes, N.J.). The blood was allowed to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes and then spun at 14,000 rpm at 4° C. for 10 minutes in a TOMY high speed microcentrifuge MRX-152 with a TOMY TMA-6 24-well rotor. Serum was then transferred to a separate eppendorf tube and stored in a −80° C. freezer until analyzed. Serum TRAP-5b levels were measured using a solid phase immunofixed enzyme activity assay specific for mouse TRAP5b (SBA Sciences, Turku, Finland). Serum samples were assayed in duplicate, according to the manufacturer's protocol.

FIG. 16 shows serum TRAP-5b levels in huRANKL mice treated with vehicle (PBS), 100 μg/kg human PTH(1-34) 5× per week, 2 mg/kg αRANKL-1 weekly, 10 mg/kg αRANKL-1 weekly, 2 mg/kg synPTH-αRANKL-1 heavy chain fusion weekly, or 10 mg/kg synPTH-αRANKL-1 heavy chain fusion weekly. FIG. 16 also shows serum TRAP-5b levels in wild type mice treated with vehicle (PBS) or with 2 mg/kg synPTH-αRANKL-1 heavy chain fusion weekly. That experiment shows that 5× per week injections of human PTH(1-34) caused a significant increase in TRAP-5b levels in huRANKL mice. Similarly, weekly injection of 2 mg/kg synPTH-αRANKL-1 heavy chain fusion caused a significant increase in TRAP-5b levels in wild type mice having only murine RANKL, which is not neutralized by αRANKL-1 antibody, as discussed above.

In contrast, as shown in FIG. 16, weekly injections of αRANKL-1 caused a rapid and significant decrease in TRAP-5b levels in huRANKL mice. Similarly, weekly injections of synPTH-αRANKL-1 heavy chain fusion also caused a rapid and significant decrease in serum TRAP-5b levels, suggesting that the αRANKL-1 portion of the chimeric molecule is able to counter the effects of synPTH on TRAP-5b levels.

Serum osteocalcin levels were measured at baseline, 1 week, 2 weeks, and 3 weeks to assess the effect of each treatment on bone formation, as follows. Blood was collected and serum isolated as discussed above for measurement of TRAP-5b levels. Serum osteocalcin levels were determined using an immunoradiometric assay (IRMA) specific for mouse intact osteocalcin (Immunotopics, Inc. San Clemente, Calif.). The analyses were performed according to the manufacturer's protocol.

FIG. 17 shows serum osteocalcin levels in huRANKL mice treated with vehicle (PBS), 100 μg/kg human PTH(1-34) 5× per week, 2 mg/kg αRANKL-1 weekly, 10 mg/kg αRANKL-1 weekly, 2 mg/kg synPTH-αRANKL-1 heavy chain fusion weekly, or 10 mg/kg synPTH-αRANKL-1 heavy chain fusion weekly. FIG. 17 also shows serum osteocalcin levels in wild type mice treated with vehicle (PBS) or with 2 mg/kg synPTH-αRANKL-1 heavy chain fusion weekly.

In that experiment, 5× per week injections of 100 μg/kg human PTH(1-34) caused a modest but significant increase in osteocalcin in huRANKL mice. Weekly αRANKL-1 injections caused a modest but significant decline in serum osteocalcin in huRANKL mice, which is probably due to feedback suppression secondary to the inhibition of bone resorption. Weekly injections of 2 mg/kg synPTH-αRANKL-1 heavy chain fusion caused little or no increase in serum osteocalcin levels in huRANKL mice, while weekly injections of 10 mg/kg synPTH-αRANKL-1 heavy chain fusion caused the greatest increase in serum osteocalcin in huRANKL mice. That increase was greater than the increase resulting from injection of 100 μg/kg human PTH(1-34) in huRANKL mice.

Bone Mineral Density

The bone mineral density (BMD) of the lumbar vertebrae (L1-L5), the femur/tibia (entire femur and the proximal half of the tibia), and the proximal tibia was measured in the huRANKL and wild type mice at baseline and at weeks 1, 2, and 3 after treatment. BMD was measured in mice anesthetized with isoflurane using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) (GE Lunar Piximusll, GE Lunar, Madison, Wis.).

The data from the experiment are presented as mean±standard error (SEM). One-way analysis of variance followed by Dunnett's comparison was used to determine the effect of treatment by comparing PBS-treated mice to synPTH-αRANKL-1 treated mice. Percent changes in BMD from baseline were calculated for both the PBS and synPTH-αRANKL-1 treated mice, and the percent changes in the synPTH-αRANKL-1 treated mice were compared to the percent changes in the PBS treated mice. Probability values<0.05 were considered significant.

FIG. 18 shows the percent BMD change of the lumbar vertebrae in huRANKL mice treated with vehicle (PBS), 100 μg/kg human PTH(1-34) 5× per week, 2 mg/kg αRANKL-1 weekly, 10 mg/kg αRANKL-1 weekly, 2 mg/kg synPTH-αRANKL-1 heavy chain fusion weekly, or 10 mg/kg synPTH-αRANKL-1 heavy chain fusion weekly. FIG. 18 also shows the percent BMD change of the lumbar vertebrae in wild type mice treated with vehicle (PBS) or with 2 mg/kg synPTH-αRANKL-1 heavy chain fusion weekly. The data are expressed as a percent change in BMD at 3 weeks relative to the baseline BMD (prior to treatment). There was no statistically significant change in BMD in huRANKL mice treated with vehicle (PBS) or 5× per week human PTH(1-34) or either weekly dose of αRANKL-1. In contrast, the increase in BMD found in huRANKL mice treated with weekly synPTH-αRANKL-1 heavy chain fusion was statistically significant. As expected, wild type mice treated with weekly synPTH-αRANKL-1 heavy chain fusion showed no increase in BMD in that experiment, likely because the murine RANKL is not neutralized by αRANKL-1.

FIG. 19 shows the BMD of whole leg in huRANKL mice treated with vehicle (PBS), 100 μg/kg human PTH(1-34) 5× per week, 2 mg/kg αRANKL-1 weekly, 10 mg/kg αRANKL-1 weekly, 2 mg/kg synPTH-αRANKL-1 heavy chain fusion weekly, or 10 mg/kg synPTH-αRANKL-1 heavy chain fusion weekly. FIG. 18 also shows the percent BMD change of whole leg in wild type mice treated with vehicle (PBS) or with 2 mg/kg synPTH-αRANKL-1 heavy chain fusion weekly. The data are expressed as a percent change in BMD at 3 weeks relative to the baseline BMD (prior to treatment). There was no statistically significant change in BMD in huRANKL mice treated with vehicle (PBS) or 5× per week human PTH(1-34) or either weekly dose of αRANKL-1. The increase shown for weekly administration of 2 mg/kg synPTH-αRANKL-1 heavy chain fusion was not statistically significant in that experiment. In contrast, the increase in BMD found in huRANKL mice treated with 10 mg/kg synPTH-αRANKL-1 heavy chain fusion weekly was statistically significant. As expected, wild type mice treated with weekly synPTH-αRANKL-1 heavy chain fusion showed no increase in BMD in that experiment, likely because the murine RANKL is not neutralized by αRANKL-1.

The data shown in FIGS. 18 and 19 suggest that BMD in aged mice does not show a statistically significant increase in response to either daily administration of 100 μg/kg PTH(1-34) or weekly administration of 2 or 10 mg/kg αRANKL-1 alone. However, weekly administration of 10 mg/kg synPTH-αRANKL-1 heavy chain fusion results in a statistically significant increase in BMD of both lumbar vertebrae and whole leg. Weekly administration of 2 mg/kg synPTH-αRANKL-1 heavy chain fusion may increase BMD as well.

Bone Histomorphometry

At the end of the three week study, huRANKL mice treated with vehicle (PBS), 100 μg/kg human PTH(1-34) 5× per week, 2 mg/kg αRANKL-1 weekly, 10 mg/kg αRANKL-1 weekly, 2 mg/kg synPTH-αRANKL-1 heavy chain fusion weekly, or 10 mg/kg synPTH-αRANKL-1 heavy chain fusion weekly; and wild type mice treated with vehicle (PBS) or with 2 mg/kg synPTH-αRANKL-1 heavy chain fusion weekly were sacrificed and tibiae collected for static and dynamic histomorphometry.

Tibiae were fixed in 70% ethanol and cleaned of muscle and soft tissue. The front part of each tibia was trimmed longitudinally, and tibiae were dehydrated in ascending ethanol concentrations and then embedded in methyl methacrylate. Frontal sections (4 μm and 8 μm) were cut using a Leica Model 2065 microtome (Leica Instruments GmbH). Histomorphometric analyses were conducted using OsteoMeasure™ bone analysis software (Osteometrics, Inc., Decatur, Ga.). Proximal metaphysis sections of the tibiae were analyzed. Four fields were analyzed from each tibia under 20× magnification, using a field size of 350×350 μm (0.1225 mm²/field). Total area of analysis was therefore 0.49 mm² on each section.

Masson's trichrome-stained sections of tibiae were used for static analysis. Trabecular bone volume was measured and then normalized to total tissue volume by the method described in Kostenuik et al. Bone 34: 656 (2004). Osteoclast number and osteoblast number were counted under the microscope and normalized to trabecular bone surface by the method described in Kostenuik et al. Bone 34: 656 (2004).

FIG. 20 shows the trabecular bone volume measurements of the proximal tibial metaphysis in huRANKL mice. The huRANKL mice treated with 10 mg/kg synPTH-αRANKL-1 heavy chain fusion weekly showed a statistically significant increase in trabecular bone volume in that experiment.

FIG. 21 shows the osteoclast surface measurements of the proximal tibial metaphysis in huRANKL mice. HuRANKL mice treated with 100 μg/kg human PTH(1-34) 5× per week showed a statistically significant increase in osteoclast surface percentage over huRANKL mice treated with vehicle (PBS). HuRANKL mice treated with synPTH-αRANKL-1 heavy chain fusion showed a statistically significant decrease in osteoclast surface percentage relative to PTH(1-34)-treated mice, suggesting that αRANKL-1 is able to counter the osteoclast stimulating effects of PTH(1-34). HuRANKL mice treated with either 10 mg/kg αRANKL-1 or synPTH-αRANKL-1 heavy chain fusion did not show a statistically significant decrease in osteoclast surface percentage relative to vehicle (PBS) alone as determined by Tukey Kramer or Dunnett's test.

FIG. 22 shows the osteoblast surface measurements of the proximal tibial metaphysis in huRANKL mice. HuRANKL mice treated with 100 μg/kg human PTH(1-34) 5× per week showed a statistically significant increase in osteoblast surface percentage over huRANKL mice treated with vehicle (PBS), αRANKL-1, or synPTH-αRANKL-1 heavy chain fusion.

Unstained sections of tibiae were used for dynamic analysis. Tetracycline and calcin label length and interval were measured. The rate of bone formation was calculated from the tetracycline and calcin label length and interval measurements using the method described in Parfitt et al. J. Bone Mineral Res. 2: 595-610 (1987).

FIG. 23 shows the bone formation rate of huRANKL mice. HuRANKL mice treated with either 100 μg/kg human PTH(1-34) 5× per week or 10 mg/kg synPTH-αRANKL-1 heavy chain fusion weekly showed a statistically significant increase in the rate of bone formation relative to huRANKL mice treated only with vehicle (PBS). HuRANKL mice treated with 2 mg/kg or 10 mg/kg αRANKL-1 weekly showed a decrease in bone formation rate relative to vehicle, while mice treated with 2 mg/kg synPTH-αRANKL-1 heavy chain fusion weekly showed neither a statistically significant increase nor decrease in bone formation rate relative to vehicle. These results suggest that weekly treatment with 10 mg/kg synPTH-αRANKL-1 heavy chain fusion results in a comparable increase in bone formation as treatment with 100 μg/kg human PTH(1-34) 5× per week. However, treatment with 10 mg/kg synPTH-αRANKL-1 heavy chain fusion does not significantly increase osteoclast or osteoblast surface percentage, unlike treatment with 100 μg/kg human PTH(1-34) 5× per week. See FIGS. 21 and 22.

Micro-Computed Tomography (microCT)

Cortical porosity was analyzed in cross-sections of the femoral midshaft in huRANKL and wild type mice. FIG. 24 shows the microCT of the femoral shaft of huRANKL mice treated with vehicle (PBS), 100 μg/kg human PTH(1-34) 5× per week, 10 mg/kg αRANKL-1 weekly, or 10 mg/kg synPTH-αRANKL-1 heavy chain fusion weekly; and wild type mice treated with vehicle (PBS) or 2 mg/kg synPTH-αRANKL-1 heavy chain fusion weekly. Administration of human PTH(1-34) resulted in the appearance of endocortical porosity in huRANKL mice (indicated by an arrow in the left panel of FIG. 24), while neither weekly administration of αRANKL-1 or synPTH-αRANKL-1 heavy chain fusion resulted in endocortical porosity in huRANKL mice. In contrast, weekly administration of synPTH-αRANKL-1 heavy chain fusion in wild type mice resulted in endocortical porosity (indicated by an arrow in the right panel of FIG. 24). That result is likely due to the inability of αRANKL-1 to neutralize murine RANKL, so synPTH-αRANKL-1 heavy chain fusion acts like human PTH(1-34) alone. These results suggest that PTH alone results in cortical porosity, which may be associated with reduced bone strength. These results also suggest that αRANKL-1 reduces or prevents the cortical porosity caused by PTH.

L6 vertebrae, left tibiae, and left femurs were examined with an eXplore MS Micro-CT System (GE Healthcare, Waukesha, Wis., USA). Bones were placed in 2 ml cryo-tubes with a density phantom (SB3; provided with eXplore MS Micro-CT System), the tubes were filled with PBS, and the bones stabilized in the tubes with gauze. The bones were scanned with an eXplore MS Micro-CT System, which uses Volumetric Conebeam technology, at 0.5° rotations for 200° at 80 kVp and 80 μA, calibrated with the density phantom. The data were reconstructed to yield images with a voxel size of 18 μm×18 μm×18 μm.

Regions of interest were analyzed for cortical and trabecular morphometric and density parameters using analysis software (GEMS MicroView). The central 10% (in length) of the femur diaphysis was analyzed for cortical bone matrix mineral density (BMMD) and average cortical area. Endosteal and periosteal perimeters were generated at the midsection using Image-J (NIH). Regions of trabecular bone from the L6 vertebrae, proximal tibia, and distal femur were isolated and analyzed for BMD and stereology parameters, including bone volume fraction (BV/TV).

Images for all scans were generated using 3-D surface rendering with a threshold based on the density phantom for each scan (30% of the bone mimetic density for trabecular bone (320 mg/ml), 60% of the bone mimetic density for cortical bone (640 mg/ml)). These threshold levels were determined using histomorphometric techniques within the software (GEMS MicroView), and eliminated bias from the individual scans.

FIG. 25 shows microCT results for the L6 vertebrae from huRANKL mice treated with vehicle (PBS), 100 μg/kg human PTH(1-34) 5× per week, 10 mg/kg αRANKL-1 weekly, or 10 mg/kg synPTH-αRANKL-1 heavy chain fusion weekly. huRANKL mice treated with either 10 mg/kg αRANKL-1 weekly or 10 mg/kg synPTH-αRANKL-1 heavy chain fusion weekly show an increase in trabecular bone mass as compared to huRANKL mice treated with vehicle (PBS).

FIG. 26 shows microCT results for the left proximal tibiae from huRANKL mice treated with vehicle (PBS), 100 μg/kg human PTH(1-34) 5× per week, 10 mg/kg αRANKL-1 weekly, or 10 mg/kg synPTH-αRANKL-1 heavy chain fusion weekly. huRANKL mice treated with 10 mg/kg synPTH-αRANKL-1 heavy chain fusion weekly showed a significant increase in bone density as compared to huRANKL mice treated with vehicle (PBS). huRANKL mice treated with 100 μg/kg human PTH(1-34) 5× per week or 10 mg/kg αRANKL-1 weekly showed a moderate increase in trabecular bone mass as compared to huRANKL mice treated with vehicle (PBS).

FIG. 27 shows microCT results for the left distal femurs from huRANKL mice treated with vehicle (PBS), 100 μg/kg human PTH(1-34) 5× per week, 10 mg/kg αRANKL-1 weekly, or 10 mg/kg synPTH-αRANKL-1 heavy chain fusion weekly. huRANKL mice treated with 10 mg/kg synPTH-αRANKL-1 heavy chain fusion weekly showed a significant increase in bone density as compared to huRANKL mice treated with vehicle (PBS). huRANKL mice treated with 10 mg/kg αRANKL-1 weekly showed a moderate increase in trabecular bone mass as compared to huRANKL mice treated with vehicle (PBS). 

1.-109. (canceled)
 110. A polynucleotide comprising a polynucleotide encoding a chimeric molecule comprising a heavy chain of a receptor activator of NF-κB ligand (RANKL) antibody and a parathyroid hormone/parathyroid hormone related protein (PTH/PTHrP), wherein the chimeric molecule and a light chain of the RANKL antibody (i) inhibit binding of RANKL to a receptor activator of NF-κB (RANK) and (ii) bind to a PTH-1 receptor and/or a PTH-2 receptor.
 111. The polynucleotide of claim 110, wherein the heavy chain comprises an amino acid sequence that has at least 92% identity to the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:
 11. 112. The polynucleotide of claim 110, wherein the light chain comprises an amino acid sequence that has at least 90% identity to the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:
 12. 113. The polynucleotide of claim 110, wherein the heavy chain comprises an amino acid sequence that has at least 95% identity to the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:
 11. 114. The polynucleotide of claim 110, wherein the light chain comprises an amino acid sequence that has at least 95% identity to the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:
 12. 115. The polynucleotide of claim 110, the heavy chain comprises an amino acid sequence that has at least 99% identity to the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:
 11. 116. The polynucleotide of claim 110, wherein the light chain comprises an amino acid sequence that has at least 99% identity to the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:
 12. 117. The polynucleotide of claim 110, wherein the heavy chain comprises an amino acid sequence as set forth in SEQ ID NO:
 11. 118. The polynucleotide of claim 110, wherein the light chain comprises an amino acid sequence as set forth in SEQ ID NO:
 12. 119. The polynucleotide of claim 110 the heavy chain comprises an amino acid sequence as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 2 from residue 20 to residue 467, and the light chain comprises an amino acid sequence as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 4 from residue 21 to residue
 235. 120. The polynucleotide of claim 110, wherein the PTH/PTHrP peptide comprises a PTH/PTHrP modulating domain selected from the polypeptides of the following formula: X^(N)X⁸HX¹⁰X¹¹X¹²KX¹⁴X¹⁵X¹⁶X¹⁷X¹⁸X¹⁹R²¹X²²X²³X²⁴X²⁵X²⁶X²⁷X²⁸X^(C) wherein: X^(N)X¹X²X³X⁴X⁵X⁶X⁷; X¹ is A, S or Y; X² is V; X³ is S; X⁴ is E; X⁵ is H or I; X⁶ is Q or E; X⁷ is L or F; X⁸ is M; X¹⁰ is N or D; X¹¹ is L, R, or K; X¹² is G, F, or W; X¹⁴ is H or S; X¹⁵ is L or I; X¹⁶ is Q, N, S, or A; X¹⁷ is S, D, or L; X¹⁸ is M, L, or V; X¹⁹ is E or R; X²¹ is V, M, or R; X²² is E or F; X²³ is W or F; X²³ is W or F; X²⁴ is L; X²⁵ is R or H; X²⁶ is K or H; X²⁷ is K or L; X²⁸ is L or I; X^(C) is X²⁹X³⁰X³¹X³²X³³X³⁴; X²⁹ is Q or A; X³⁰ is D or E; X³¹ is V or I; X³³ is N or T; and X³⁴ is A, F or Y.
 121. The polynucleotide of claim 110, wherein the PTH/PTHrP peptide comprises a PTH/PTHrP modulating domain, wherein the PTH/PTHrP modulating domain comprises: a) a sequence selected from SEQ ID NOs: 16 to 89; or b) a sequence selected from SEQ ID NOs: 90 to 107 except that one or more residues at position 14 through the C-terminus of the PTH/PTHrP modulating domain is substituted with a cysteine residue.
 122. The polynucleotide of claim 110, wherein the PTH/PTHrP peptide comprises a prepro domain and a PTH/PTHrP modulating domain, wherein the prepro domain comprises an amino acid sequence selected from SEQ ID NOs: 188 to
 207. 123. The polynucleotide of claim 122, wherein the prepro domain comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 188 and the PTH/PTHrP modulating domain comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:
 22. 124. The polynucleotide of claim 110, wherein the PTH/PTHrP peptide comprises an amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 6 from residue 32 to residue
 70. 125. The polynucleotide of claim 110, wherein the chimeric molecule comprises a polypeptide comprising an amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 10 from residue 32 to residue
 518. 126. A polynucleotide comprising a polynucleotide encoding a chimeric molecule comprising a light chain of a receptor activator of NF-κB ligand (RANKL) antibody and a parathyroid hormone/parathyroid hormone related protein (PTH/PTHrP), wherein the chimeric molecule and a heavy chain of the RANKL antibody (i) inhibit binding of RANKL to a receptor activator of NF-κB (RANK) and (ii) bind to a PTH-1 receptor and/or a PTH-2 receptor.
 127. The polynucleotide of claim 126, wherein the heavy chain comprises an amino acid sequence that has at least 92% identity to the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:
 11. 128. The polynucleotide of claim 126, wherein the light chain comprises an amino acid sequence that has at least 90% identity to the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:
 12. 129. The polynucleotide of claim 126, wherein the heavy chain comprises an amino acid sequence that has at least 95% identity to the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:
 11. 130. The polynucleotide of claim 126, wherein the light chain comprises an amino acid sequence that has at least 95% identity to the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:
 12. 131. The polynucleotide of claim 126, the heavy chain comprises an amino acid sequence that has at least 99% identity to the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:
 11. 132. The polynucleotide of claim 126, wherein the light chain comprises an amino acid sequence that has at least 99% identity to the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:
 12. 133. The polynucleotide of claim 126, wherein the heavy chain comprises an amino acid sequence as set forth in SEQ ID NO:
 11. 134. The polynucleotide of claim 126, wherein the light chain comprises an amino acid sequence as set forth in SEQ ID NO:
 12. 135. The polynucleotide of claim 126 the heavy chain comprises an amino acid sequence as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 2 from residue 20 to residue 467, and the light chain comprises an amino acid sequence as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 4 from residue 21 to residue
 235. 136. The polynucleotide of claim 126, wherein the PTH/PTHrP peptide comprises a PTH/PTHrP modulating domain selected from the polypeptides of the following formula: X^(N)X⁸HX¹⁰X¹¹X¹²KX¹⁴X¹⁵X¹⁶X¹⁷X¹⁸X¹⁹RX²¹X²²X²³X²⁴X²⁵X²⁶X²⁷X²⁸X^(C) wherein: X^(N)X¹X²X³X⁴X⁵X⁶X⁷; X¹ is A, S or Y; X² is V; X³ is S; X⁴ is E; X⁵ is H or I; X⁶ is Q or E; X⁷ is L or F; X⁸ is M; X¹⁰ is N or D; X¹¹ is L, R, or K; X¹² is G, F, or W; X¹⁴ is H or S; X¹⁵ is L or I; X¹⁶ is Q, N, S, or A; X¹⁷ is S, D, or L; X¹⁸ is M, L, or V; X¹⁹ is E or R; X²¹ is V, M, or R; X²² is E or F; X²³ is W or F; X²³ is W or F; X²⁴ is L; X²⁵ is R or H; X²⁶ is K or H; X²⁷ is K or L; X²⁸ is L or I; X^(C) is X²⁹X³⁰X³¹X³²X³³X³⁴; X²⁹ is Q or A; X³⁰ is D or E; X³¹ is V or I; X³³ is N or T; and X³⁴ is A, F or Y.
 137. The polynucleotide of claim 126, wherein the PTH/PTHrP peptide comprises a PTH/PTHrP modulating domain, wherein the PTH/PTHrP modulating domain comprises: a) a sequence selected from SEQ ID NOs: 16 to 89; or b) a sequence selected from SEQ ID NOs: 90 to 107 except that one or more residues at position 14 through the C-terminus of the PTH/PTHrP modulating domain is substituted with a cysteine residue.
 138. The polynucleotide of claim 126, wherein the PTH/PTHrP peptide comprises a prepro domain and a PTH/PTHrP modulating domain, wherein the prepro domain comprises an amino acid sequence selected from SEQ ID NOs: 188 to
 207. 139. The polynucleotide of claim 138, wherein the prepro domain comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 188 and the PTH/PTHrP modulating domain comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:
 22. 140. The polynucleotide of claim 126, wherein the PTH/PTHrP peptide comprises an amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 6 from residue 32 to residue
 70. 141. The polynucleotide of claim 126, wherein the chimeric molecule comprises a polypeptide comprising an amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 8 from residue 32 to residue
 285. 142. A vector comprising a polynucleotide encoding a chimeric molecule of claim 110 or claim
 126. 143. A host cell comprising the vector of claim
 142. 144. A method of producing a chimeric molecule comprising culturing the host cell of claim
 143. 